Today the yoga industry has completely revolutionized. Unlike ancient times when yoga just used to be a traditional practice focusing on fitness and spirituality, Yoga today has evolved to meet people where they are. It has also encompassed from being a deeply personal practice to a global movement especially exacerbated by the Internet.

Here in the yoga influencers play a major role in making yoga a global movement. Whether it is through platforms like Instagram, Youtube or Tiktok, these influencers have become powerful voices that define how millions globally perceive yoga.

But the actual question remains are these yoga influences changing the yoga community and the industry in general? Well the summarized and sensible answer is Yes! in definite terms. Even though it sometimes becomes controversial because of commercialization and authenticity issues. But the growth of yoga influencers has definitely redefined yoga and made it accessible on a global level.

Influencers positively promote the accessibility of yoga.

One of the most impactful effects of these influences are that they positively promote the accessibility of yoga. When one person posts online in a certain asana or a certain routine, it not only inspires others, but also motivates them to pick up yoga as a practice or resume their practice if they have been out of touch.

They have redefined, “yoga body” to include and inspire various body types.

Before social media people often imagined a yoga body to be a slim fit and a highly flexible body but thanks to the virtue of social media and people practicing and posting yoga online who have made possible yoga for everyone the redefinition of a yoga body was very important because today a variety of body types exists globally. Whether it is male female or people from different cultures and backgrounds it is important to note that yoga is for everyone and one does not need to be perfect or extremely flexible to begin yoga.

Turn yoga practice into a professional pathway.

The yoga trendsetters have not only popularized yoga globally. But also turned yoga as an attractive career and a professional pathway. Enrolling in a yoga teacher training course can be both intimidating and an exciting experience and the digital yoga leaders not only popularized Yoga TTC and retreats but also redefined Role of the Yoga Teacher to encompass mental and emotional health along with physical asana practices.

 

Have promoted the ‘trend-driven yoga’.

Today, yoga is not just limited to the ancient form or just the Hatha style which served as the foundation for all the modern variations. In the present time yoga has evolved from simple asana practice and a spiritual purpose to take form such as yoga for mobility, aerial yoga, Vinyasa flows, acrobatic Ashtanga, animal flow fusion, prop based Iyengar Yoga etc. These trends make yoga more exciting, fun and drive aesthetics into practice. This has also been a concern regarding the loss of authenticity in this modern evolution.

 

They help in destigmatizing mental health

Positive effects Yoga being popularized online through yoga celebrities is that it has helped in destigmatizing mental health. In earlier times mental health often used to be one of the most underrated and ignored topics. And people in general weren’t aware about mental health problems and how to resolve it.

But in modern times like today, which is dominated by hectic work schedules, social distractions, digital overload etc. stress and anxiety have become very common.

It is also not only important to address this respectfully but also raise awareness about the same. So that people can come forward and accept and treat themselves. In this regard, these yoga leaders have done a great job in destigmatizing mental health and also creating wellness content such as yoga for anxiety, yoga for stress relief, yoga for emotional burnout etc.

 

Revive traditional teachings through the medium of the internet.

It is also notable that these digital yoga leaders in addition to keeping yoga as a physical practice alive also revived the traditional teachings through the medium of Internet. Whether it is to maintain the authenticity of their content or to keep their content unique and edgy, the revival of traditional practices and yogic philosophies have celebrated yoga and also shown what yoga actually stands for.

Yoga school such as the Adiyogam Yoga school, in their online classes and teacher training sessions also demonstrate traditional teachings, mantra chanting, Pranayama (yogic breath work) practices and introduced the yogic lifestyle to the modern-day practitioner.

 

Common criticism against yoga influencers –

Although there are many positives yet it is also important to accept and consider the common criticism against them. So it has been seen that sometimes the over marketing of yoga as a brand or the ethical concerns and over commercialization creates an unrealistic lifestyle expectation.

And the sponsored posts or retreats might often be marketed as spiritual getaways or experiences, but the intention and authenticity remains questionable. So even though this is a huge challenge, but bringing in more transparency keeping the prices fair and teaching ethically can balance it out.

 

Conclusion

Yoga teaches us about balance. Whether it is in the physical asana practice or the regulation of emotions or the slightly spiritual bend through this ancient practice, yoga has always emphasized on balance. Similarly, when it comes to yoga influences taking over changing yoga industry it is important to bring in balance. This will make yoga an ethical practice and bind the yoga community together.