Trying to relax while listening to "Nile" or "Suffocation" might sound like a terror to some but a growing number of adventurers are ready to stretch to metal’s dark soundtrack. Death metal yoga classes are for those who prefer to mix a little darkness with their enlightenment. Heavy metal music and yoga may seem incompatible, but one New York yoga instructor with a passion for metal has mixed them together in a series of classes that help people relax and unleash their inner beast at the same time.

Death Metal Yoga Class

In a typical death metal yoga class a special kind of emotional release is involved, one that resonates most deeply with those who feel disconnected from traditional yoga’s reliance spirituality and light. A metal yoga class starts off with a lot of growling, screaming, and hitting the floor with fists to release some anger and stress. The yoga classes also feature punching, kicking, air-guitar-playing, head-banging, and releasing puddles of sweat while breaking into yoga poses thus providing a space for release even for the most inexperienced yogis. Yoga skin is the latest beauty trend for lazy girls. 

Intense Releasing Session

Death metal yoga expert Saskia Thode has been offering courses at a metal festival and international cruises and the trend seems to have soon caught up. A typical class begins with her taking a firm stance on her yoga mat and letting out a deep howl, which she calls a ‘warrior scream’. It is an intense, physically-challenging yoga class full of dripping, growling and shrieking. Is naked yoga the latest wellness trend?

You don’t have to be a certified yogi or even a die-hard metal music fan to enjoy Thode’s death metal yoga classes. You don't even have to particularly like yoga. But even though there's no pressure to ace a challenging yoga pose or to master an inversion or wear your most serene smile during class, you do have to prepare to scream a lot.

So be prepared to completely tap into the dark side, to scream, beat, sweat, and do anything you need to do to unleash your inner beast.

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2019 09:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).