Ski-ram yoga is going to be big in 2015, the team behind it hope.
Crystal Ski Holidays introduced what is being billed as the first ever cold yoga class in the autumn – taking place in a walk-in fridge. The workout, which took place in a temperature of just 2C has been designed to acclimatise sport lovers for a cold winter and to get skiers and boarders limbered up for the season.
Inspired by the traditional teachings of Bikram yoga, ‘ski-ram’ swaps swampy, steaming heat for crisp, wintry conditions, similar to those found in the Alps. Yoga lovers – or yogis as they’re known – are advised to dress up in snowsuits, scarf and gloves before taking part.
The unique 30-minute programme, designed and taught by expert yoga instructor Gaby Flemming, begins with a ‘warm-up-cool-down’ to acclimatise, followed by a series of poses and exercises designed to lengthen and strengthen. The workout finishes with a five-minute ‘cool-down-warm- up’, outside the cold room, to bring yogis back up to room temperature.
Poses and exercises include the ‘Downward Slope’, a beginner level pose designed to elongate the spine; ‘Snow Salutations’, a fluid cardiovascular movement to improve balance; and the ‘Pepi Penguin’, a seated pose to stretch the thighs and groin and increase mobility in the lower body.
“There’s something so peaceful about winter and snow, I wanted to use this as the inspiration for ski-ram,” said Ski-ram yoga instructor Gaby Flemming, “The sequence pays particular attention to strengthening and elongating the core and legs; increasing flexibility in the lower body and improving balance. “
Details of where and when the Ski-ram yoga sessions will be staged were not finalised as we went to press, but the organisers did say that all participants will be required to complete a medical form ahead of the session.
A ski-ram yoga video is live on Youtube for viewing however.