The Truth And Purpose Behind Yoga Competitions

Bend. Breathe. Twist. Breathe. Stretch. Breathe. Repeat.
 
The yoga grind can definitely get overwhelming. So many poses, so many postures, so much sweat, so much strength... how do you do it all?

We grow through an open mind and a steady practice.  I am over 50 and have been able to maintain flexibility and mobility with age... and if I can do it, you can too.
Urban Fit Yoga owner and founder, Wayne Campbell.

It was only after decades of dedicated practice that he was been able to transform his life and tackle new heights. Stretch flow exercises and Bikram hot yoga classes were the gifts that made it possible. For decades, Wayne has committed his life to this work. He embodied the grind and reaped the rewards.
 
But wait, there’s more.

Not only has he been able to truly heal his body from a tragic, life-changing accident but he has also been able to become a master yoga practitioner competing with yogis from around the world.
 
Come August, in the cool, crisp city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wayne will be participating in his third USA National Yoga Championships.
 
To compete in the Adult and Senior Division, there are four compulsory categories: forward compression, backward bend, stretching, and spine twist. After selecting one compulsory pose from each category, a yogi can add additional poses that best compliment his or her skill set. Each category contains a list of postures with varying degrees of difficulty. Meaning, you can mix and match poses to best suit where you are in your training.
 
This past year, Wayne has dedicated himself to preparing and refining his three-minute routine. Seems like a lot? This is no joke (despite how much fun it actually is). And for those of you who are craving a little sneak peak, I heard you could find a short preview on the Urban Fit Yoga Facebook page!
 
Now, we want to address the elephant in the blog.
 
It’s pretty easy to write-off competitive yoga as just another fad, just another monopolized Western scheme, and just another contradiction to our beloved asana flows.
 
However, the USA Yoga Federation shines some truth over our dear elephant:

Yoga Asana competitions originated in India hundreds of years ago and are still being conducted there today. USA Yoga is now bringing this spirit of healthy competition to the United States, where, according to the most recent study by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, more than 36 million people practice yoga in the US today.

This friendly competitive spirit is nothing new to the human experience. It rests within all of us – and always has. Neglecting this internal part of our make-up means ridding ourselves the opportunity to explore a key component of what makes us human.
 
Which defines the USA Yoga Federation’s primary mission – to create a safe space for yogis to explore this fundamental characteristic of his or her being. Young or old, beginner or practitioner, east or west, everyone is supported in their practice.
 
And no matter how the competition unravels, everyone remains united under one intention: Physical and mental well-being for all.