The Changing Face of Yoga

Is Yoga Too Mainstream?

Over the years, the practice of yoga has diverted from its austere origins. A recent article in the Huffington Post discusses the expansive transformation of yoga practice. In the past, yoga involved solitude, nature and meditation, however, recent buzz and intense commercialization, have propelled yoga into a flourishing industry. According to a recent IBIS World report, the yoga industry generates $7 billion in revenue and involves about 16 million practicing U.S. adults. Today, yoga is a mainstream, popular means of exercise and mediation with tens of thousands of certified yoga instructors in the U.S. alone.

Great debate exists over the purity of yoga practiced today. Many argue that yoga has strayed too far from its roots, transforming into different styles such as: hiking yoga, chair yoga, Power Yoga and Bikram Yoga. Others view this transition as exciting innovation, meeting the varying needs of a vast population. They perceive yoga’s flexibility in its wide physical availability, as it is taught in offices, schools and gyms across the country.

Whether Yoga is practiced for exercise, therapy or mindfulness, do you believe yoga’s transformation into a booming, widely popular industry is detrimental or beneficial to the basic fundamentals of the practice?

FeelGoodNow Contributor: Chrissie Nims

This wild cookie gobbler enjoys roaming the online world, exploring new marketing strategies and meeting new people. Chrissie satisfies her sweet tooth with healthy, all natural recipes that make her sugary guilt melt away. She loves discovering secret, sunny spots during the winter, skiing and taming wild, rambunctious ponies. 


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