Market Analysis on the Yoga Industry

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2000s:
The following are the hot fitness trends that people have been following since the new
millennium.
� Cy-yo
� Zumba
� Gyrotonic
� Bikram Yoga
� Body Balance
� Power Plates
Presently:
Different forms of Yoga are based on the classic ancient model of Patanjali (who wrote the first
“Yoga book” five thousand years ago). Many of the traditional teachers are more or less tolerant
of such forms as:
� Ashtanga Yoga (if referring to the eight limbs of Yoga, and not to “power”),
� Bihari Yoga (a combination of Iyengar and Ashtanga),
� Dru Yoga (energy-flow, healing & emotion),
� Bikram Yoga (performed in 40 degree C. temperatures & 65% humidity),
� Anusara Yoga, Thai Yoga, and even Aqua Yoga.
Furthermore, Madonna calls the term “Power Yoga” an oxymoron, and with some justification.
One may name one’s brand of Yoga whatever one wishes, of course, but the word “power” and
the gentleness of Yoga are a basic contradiction in terms. In older, weaker, or chronically
challenged bodies there is no longer the strength to go into these poses. “Going-for-the-burn”
kinds of adaptations represent the urban North-American yoga market. They are interested for
instant results, without any of the lengthy commitment to the discipline of Yoga-practice needed
to yoke together all three aspects (mind, body, and spirit).
Future Predictions:
Since yoga was introduced in North America, new versions and adaptations have been
developed. We now have such frenetic crossbreeds such as: Boga (boxing & Yoga), Disco
Yoga, Yogilates (Pilates & Yoga), Yoganetics, Hip-Hop Yoga, Sonic Yoga, Yoga Sky-diving
and Medieval Yoga. The places that offer these new variations of yoga, sell yoga books, videos
and fashionable clothing.
Is all this wrong? Who’s to say?
It is what it is; yoga today reflects our time. The question is if all the three fundamental aspects
of yoga will still be practiced by 2022. Who’s to say if it will or not, it depends on the sellers of
yoga (such as Breathe Active Wear, and yoga teachers) if they can maintain yoga practitioners
interest to follow yoga’s genuine meaning. The real question remaining then becomes, “is it still
Yoga?”