A Worcester stand-up paddleboard yoga expert has been named as one of the most innovative yogis in the world.

Alex Wittering, a fully qualified ASI SUP yoga instructor and a 200 hour qualified yoga regular instructor, has been recognised by event and ticketing website Eventbrite as one of the leaders in diversifying the global yoga scene on International Yoga Day, Friday, June 21.

The number of specialised yoga events has reportedly surged by 33 per cent from 2022 to 2023 according to Eventbrite, with participant numbers witnessing a substantial 55 per cent growth.

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Almost 200,000 attendees partook in more than 12,000 yoga experiences across the UK.

Mrs Wittering offers yoga classes on the River Avon, and at Lidos in Cheltenham and Chipping Norton.

Her classes have also been held at a private lake in the Malvern Hills.

From May to September, her weekly classes for beginners to advanced practitioners have grown in popularity.

She also hosts two full day retreats involving SUP yoga with nutritious food, swimming and mindfulness workshops, which are led by her husband James Wittering, a mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) teacher.

Mrs Wittering said: "SUP yoga was very niche when I started but it’s most definitely on the up.

"The perception is that it’s going to be difficult and while it can be challenging – there’s a need for more balance, more focus and more mindful movement – anyone can have a go and get the benefits of SUP yoga.

"The added challenge of balancing on our boards leaves us little room for busy thoughts, it’s a fun way to improve your strength, flexibility and balance.

"It’s about getting outdoors, embracing a new perspective and restoring even the most frazzled minds."

She added: “I think it’s becoming more popular because anyone who has ever laid by the sea listening to the waves, or meandered along a riverbank will know the calming effect of the water."

Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert said: “Some yogis may prefer to do things the traditional way but alternative classes on Eventbrite can be equally effective even when they’re a little different - Alex’s SUP yoga classes are a great example of this.”