I had the pleasure of chatting with Bjarney “Baddý” Hinriksdóttir, a yoga instructor and yoga studio owner in downtown Reykjavík about yoga in Iceland. Like many Western countries, Iceland has seen a significant rise in the number of people practicing yoga. With just a quick Google search you can easily find 4 or 5 studios in the Reykjavík area. What makes Baddý’s studio unique is that her classes are only taught in English and it is smack dab in the middle of the downtown area.
When I first moved to Iceland, I immediately gravitated toward Baddý’s studio. It was awesome that I could get some yoga classes in English but also because you can tell that Baddý is passionate about what she does. During this interview we talk about how obscure yoga was considered not too long ago in Iceland, Baddýs thoughts on why yoga has become so popular here and if yoga will stand the test of time as an activity in this country.
Questions I Asked Baddý During the Interview About Yoga in Iceland
- What sparked your interest in yoga and when did you started practicing?
- When did you start to notice that yoga in Iceland was becoming a popular activity?
- Why do you think yoga appeals to Icelandic people?
- Are there certain styles of yoga that are more popular than others in Iceland? Do you practice and teach a certain style?
- Why was it important for you to open a yoga studio in Iceland with only English speaking classes?
- Even though your yoga classes are conducted in English, do Icelandic people come to practice with you?
- Do you think the popularity of yoga is a trend in Iceland or is it here to stay?
- What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase? (I ask this in every interview. It can be related to yoga but it doesn’t have to be)
How to Connect with Baddý
I hope you enjoy listening to this interview on the All Things Iceland podcast. After the interview, please remember to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the episodes I publish every week. If the platform you are listening to this podcast on allows you to leave a review, please do so, if you haven’t already.
Góða skemmtun og sjáumst fljótlega (Enjoy and see you soon)!
