Swap your hot dog for the downward dog – it’s International Day of Yoga!
Observed every year on 21 June, this day celebrates the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. Guinness World Records is celebrating with a round-up of some of our most impressive records relating to the ancient practice.
Let’s take a look at our record-breaking yogis…
Most consecutive yoga positions underwater
Breathing is essential to most yoga exercises, but for this record-breaking routine breathing was impossible.
The most consecutive yoga positions underwater is 21, and was achieved by Kamal Kaloi (India) in Nam Dinh City, Vietnam, on 3 July 2020.
He held his breath underwater for almost 4 minutes whilst performing all 21 yoga poses.
Kamal made this extreme challenge look effortless – he wasn’t even gasping for air when he resurfaced!
Longest time to hold the eight angle pose (yoga) (female)
The longest time to hold the eight angle pose (yoga) (female) is 1 min 56 sec and was achieved by Sumithasri Eranti (India) in Bangalore, India on 12 April 2021.
Sumithasri decided to break the record to encourage people to try traditional Hatha Yoga, which she believes has an immensely positive impact on our health and mental well-being.
She began her yoga journey at 45 years old, and 3 years of practice later she was able to break this record.
Sumthithasri shows us that it’s never too late to become the best in the world at something!
Longest time to hold a peacock pose
The longest time to hold the peacock pose (yoga) is 3 min 23 sec and was achieved by Soji Pavithran (India) in Kannur, Kerala, India on 23 November 2020.
He lasted 18 seconds longer than the previous record holder, Vijesh Elikkattepparambil (India), who’s record-breaking attempt in 2018 can be seen above.
"By attempting to break the record, I want to leave an impression on the youngsters about the importance of yoga and physical fitness." – Soji Pavithran
At the beginning of his training, Soji’s biggest difficulty was dealing with pain and fatigue. He practised every day, making gradual improvements until he overcame the challenge.
He hopes his record-breaking attempt will inspire more people to take up yoga as part of their lifestyle.
Oldest yoga teacher
The oldest yoga teacher is Ida Herbert (Canada) who actively taught yoga at the age of 95 years, 8 months, 26 days (as of May 2012). She was a registered instructor at Orillia YMCA, in Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
The previous oldest yoga teacher is Tao Porchon-Lynch (USA), who can be seen in the above video. She actively taught yoga at the age of 93 years, 7 months, 1 day (as of March 2012).
After 20 years of teaching yoga full time, Ida decided to retire, but continued to teach a weekly class in the Bayshore Village area of Ontario.
Ida’s secret to living a long and healthy life is avoiding junk food. She also enjoys gardening, knitting and a cheeky glass of sherry after lunch.
"I’ve heard a glass of wine is not bad for you and that suits me nicely," Ida revealed in a 2013 interview with Best Health magazine. "And I love to flirt."
Most consecutive yoga positions on a motorcycle
The most consecutive yoga positions on a motorcycle is 50, achieved by Hav Ramesh (India), in Jabalpur, India, on 21 December 2013.
He drove 5km (3.1 miles) whilst performing his routine. Hav broke the previous record by 27 positions and even included 10 reverse positions.
Hav is truly a master moto-meditator!
Largest yoga lesson
The largest yoga lesson was attended by 100,984 participants, achieved by the Government of Rajasthan, Patanjali Yogapeeth and the District Administration of Kota (India) at Kota, Rajasthan, India, on 21 June 2018.
That’s nearly double the participants of the previous largest yoga lesson. Even Wembley stadium can’t hold that many people.
This record-breaking community event was organised to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2018. The enormous assembly practised yoga together for 2 hours in the early morning.
Why not celebrate World Yoga Day by performing a few poses of your own?
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