Yoga competition; fight for the calmest
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Who is the most spiritually balanced among us? Over the weekend hundreds witnessed the regional Yoga championships, which awarded first, second, and third place winners in the activity known for its calm and meditative qualities. Competitive yoga is even making a play to be an official Olympic event.
Molly Callaghan demonstrates a Full Spine Twist.
At the Gershman Y on Broad Street, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat played out over electronic trance music.
According to a recent survey by Yoga Journal, 15 million Americans practice the quasi-spiritual fitness regimen, resulting in a industry worth over 5 billion dollars.
Anna Carapellotti - the 1st place women's winner - demonstrates a Full Cobra pose.
But the yogis at the regional championships seemed blissfully unconcerned about material gains. Actor and yoga instructor Chris Fluck says the point is not to beat your competitor but to improve yourself.
Fluck:It's nothing like competing in a sport where you want to beat your opponent – like tennis. It drives you to get precise – you have a goal to tighten things up. As a training journey, it's wonderful.
Anna Carapellotti - the 1st place women's winner - demonstrates a Crane pose.
The winner of the regional championship will go onto the nationals in Los Angeles next month. There is no prize for the winner other than bragging rights – which can be significant if you own your own yoga studio.
Got nothing against Bikram yoga. The article started out making it look like it was judging who is "the most spiritually balanced" and that it is a "fight for the calmest". I can believe that staying calm while doing advanced Asana's is important to the competition, but again, if it was about spiritual balance and calmness, you could lay on the stage in Svansana for an hour and win.
The actual Asana's performed are a big part of that competition. It is essentially an Asana competition. I just think it needs to be admitted.
Absolutely, Shanna. I've been in a couple of these, and we are always VERY clear that this is a yoga ASANA championship, not a yoga championship. That detail just gets lost in the press sometimes – I don't think reporters quite "get" that there's a difference – but it is always in the name of the event.
Thank you Juliana for the clarification.
Bikram yoga offers the potential for profound healing for anyone who is willing to commit to the rigors of the practice. As Anna's Mom and a Bikram enthusiast, I have watched her strengthen, not only in her practice, but in life as well. Anna competes to improve herself and for the love of yoga, not to beat out others. That is the ultimate show of spirit – living with passion and doing one's best.
hi shanna, i participated in the event and have to say that the connection i have developed to my own personal physical practice, to each of the competitors, and essentially to God through the participation in this competition has been tremendous and profound.
so i would have to argue that everyone won in this event.
Perfectly said Katelyn! I also participated and this championship has done nothing but strengthen my belief in myself, human beings and the goodness that this life has to offer. The past few months have been amazing for me and my fellow yogis…come to a competition, and tell me you are not inspired!
To everyone who made this event possible and participated in any manner to bring it to us I would like to say Thank You. From the moment I entered the Gershman on Sunday it was a pleasant and wonderful day.
All of the competitors were great. The dedication, the proficiency, the talent, the beauty, and the love that each of them displayed was beautiful.
I think there was truly a connection between the competitors and amongst all of us that day. I loved the music, the lighting, and the connection I felt with everyone and with God as I watched the asanas unfold on stage.
I love Bikram Yoga and seeing it displayed that way was truly awesome
I'm sorry but that competition has nothing to do with spirituality. Have someone sit on the stage and meditate for an hour and see if they win.
I was at the competition and am very proud of ChrisFluck(I'm his dad) and all the men and woman who competed…Bikram Yoga is the greatest there is for your body and mind and everyone needs to discover it…pf