How Yoga Practice Has Transformed in the Past Decade

Born centuries ago in India, yoga, for a long time remained confined within this mystic land. It was in the 19th century that sages from India started traveling to the west to spread the knowledge of yoga. Their teachings attracted many westerners, but some continued to question yoga’s authenticity. However, when the Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1960s, their visit completely changed the way the western world saw yoga.

Today with every passing day, more and more people from across the world are becoming a part of the yoga community. And new people are also bringing new ways of practicing yoga. It won’t be wrong to say that the past decade has seen yoga evolve into a mainstream exercise regimen with a microcosm of its own, spread across the world.

Below are some major changes that have happened in the world of yoga in the past decade.

Yoga has become more popular

As discussed above, yoga today has become the most preferable mainstream exercise routine. As a result, more and more people are becoming aware of its importance in everyday life.

Men have started doing yoga

Initially yoga was considered a gentler exercise not fit for men. Men used to think it is not for them since its practice doesn’t involve much sweating. Besides, all the twisting and turning involved in its practice felt awkward to them. For these reasons they keep avoiding yoga for years. However, in recent years men have come to know how yoga can benefit them in different ways. And this awareness is turning more and more men towards yoga practice.

There is big industry for yoga fashion

Today yoga has become more of a trend. From yoga clothing to yoga mats, and yoga accessories everything is in high demand. And this trend is not just limited to yoga studios, as people prefer to have the yoga essentials even for their personal practice.

Yoga Alliance is considered de facto certification

Yoga Alliance was set up with the aim of setting yoga standards. And the Alliance has done a good job of not only maintaining those standards but also spreading the word about themselves. Although Yoga Alliance is not a standard Government body, its certifications are well accepted as the benchmark in yoga training. People taking yoga teacher training in Rishikesh or elsewhere first ensure whether the institution will give them a Yoga Alliance certificate.

Athletes and Dancers are switching to yoga for better flexibility

From being considered an exercise regimen for spirituality or for losing weight, today yoga has found acceptability from all groups of the society. Athletes, swimmers and dancers are turning to yoga to improve their body endurance and flexibility. While others are opting for it to fight-off their ailments and to feel more relaxed in life.

New styles of yoga are evolving

From the traditional hath yoga, ashtanga and vinyasa to Bikram and Iyengar and more lately, power yoga, aerial yoga, water yoga etc., new styles of yoga are being evolved every day. Besides, people are also developing customized workouts by mixing yoga with other exercise routines. While these experimental practices have been found effective in building a good physique, but for yoga’s spiritual benefits, it is the traditional practice that provides value.