How to join giant Sunderland yoga session and show support for NHS

A challenge has been set to host the world’s largest yoga class – with Sunderland stretchers invited to give it their support.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 12th Apr 2020, 12:21 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2020, 12:23 BST

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Hotpod Yoga, which runs classes on Wearside at Silksworth Sports Complex, is running an online session with the aim of getting at least 125,000 people involved across the country, with each asked to donate at least £1.

The figure has been set to represent a 10th of all those who work for the NHS, with the virtual event also aimed at bringing people together during a time when people have been urged to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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A special yoga session has been set up to raise cash for the NHS.A special yoga session has been set up to raise cash for the NHS.
A special yoga session has been set up to raise cash for the NHS.
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Lessons have been moved online following the closure of leisure and sports centres, with Elaine Smith, who runs Sunderland’s branch, leading her team as they help people keep on top of their exercise routines with around 15 classes run each week.

Co-founder Max Henderson said ahead of the Together We Stretch for the NHS event: “The NHS currently employs over 1.25 million people.

“That’s a simply staggering amount of people working round the clock to keep us safe, so we started thinking - what could we achieve with even a tenth of that number?

“We want people to collectively take a moment, come together, move together and show their appreciation for a group of people that are working in unprecedented circumstances.”

Elaine Smith has had to move her Hotpod Yoga sessions online since the outbreak of the coronavirus.Elaine Smith has had to move her Hotpod Yoga sessions online since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Elaine Smith has had to move her Hotpod Yoga sessions online since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
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The live-streamed 45-minute class is aimed at all levels and will be held on Easter Monday, April 13, at 10am, with donations being taken via Instagram and YouTube

Elaine, whose group was running 35 lessons a week before centres closed under Government orders, added: “We know that a lot of people are struggling financially too so we’ve made the classes donation-based, customers can choose to donate £0, £3, £5 or £8 for a class with proceeds going towards supporting our freelance teachers during this challenging time.

“Hotpod Yoga usually sees up to 100 people coming through its doors each day, so the virtual lessons are helping those who are self-isolating, working from home or on furlough to keep their minds and bodies active.

Anyone who would like to join in Monday’s NHS class can click here.

Related topics:SunderlandNHS