Let’s pause for a moment and take a closer look at yoga in today’s world. What was once a deeply spiritual practice accessible to all has now transformed into something that feels exclusive - reserved for those with the means to afford fancy studios, designer yoga gear, and high-priced retreats.
Is this truly the future of yoga we want? A practice that alienates the very people it was meant to uplift?
As we step into 2025, we stand at a crossroads. We have the power to redefine the future of yoga by making it inclusive, accessible, and true to its origins.
But this change requires conscious effort. Together, let’s explore how we can bring yoga back to its roots while ensuring it remains relevant for modern times.
The Yoga of the Past: A Common Man’s Practice
Before we envision the future of yoga, let’s revisit its past.
For centuries, yoga in India wasn’t about luxury or exclusivity. It was a way of life for everyone—farmers, laborers, mothers, saints, and students. There were no pricey memberships, no Instagram-worthy poses, and certainly no designer mats. Yoga was practiced on the bare earth, with the breath as the teacher and life itself as the ultimate guru.
More importantly, yoga was a means to connect inward, to find balance amidst life’s chaos. It wasn’t about physical fitness or aesthetics; it was about spiritual evolution. But somewhere along the way, we’ve strayed from this path.
The Current State of Yoga: Barriers to Inclusivity
The Cost of Yoga Today
In urban cities across the globe, yoga has become a privilege. Studios charge exorbitant fees for classes, workshops, and retreats. While these services cater to a select few, they leave out a vast majority of people who simply cannot afford them.
Take the example of a yoga retreat promising “inner transformation.” While the experience may be valuable, its hefty price tag makes it unattainable for most. Similarly, many teacher training programs are so expensive that they deter passionate individuals from pursuing a deeper understanding of yoga.
The Gear Obsession
Another troubling trend is the commercialization of yoga gear. The market is flooded with expensive mats, blocks, straps, and clothing. Brands market these as essential to your practice, creating a false narrative that you can’t practice yoga without them.
But the truth is, yoga doesn’t need fancy props. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. All you truly need is your body, your breath, and an open mind.
The Influence of Social Media
Scroll through social media, and you’ll see yoga portrayed as a glamorous, photogenic lifestyle. While this has brought global attention to the practice, it has also created unrealistic standards. The average person may feel intimidated by images of model-like instructors performing advanced postures on exotic beaches.
This hyper-focus on aesthetics detracts from the real essence of yoga, which is about turning inward—not outward.
The Future of Yoga: A Call for Inclusivity and Affordability
So, where do we go from here? How can we shape the future of yoga to ensure it remains inclusive, accessible, and authentic?
1. Making Yoga Affordable
The future of yoga must prioritize affordability. Studios and teachers can explore innovative ways to make yoga accessible to all:
Donation-Based Classes: Offering community classes on a “pay what you can” basis ensures that no one is left out.
Public Spaces: Hosting yoga sessions in parks, schools, and community centers can bring yoga to people who may not step into a studio.
Online Platforms: Virtual classes can reach a global audience at minimal cost. Studios can offer tiered pricing or scholarships for those in need.
2. Shifting the Focus Away from Gear
The future of yoga doesn’t need designer mats or high-tech props. We must normalize the idea that yoga can be practiced anywhere - with or without gear.
A folded blanket can replace a bolster, and a wall can serve as a prop for balance.
3. Embracing the Full Spectrum of Yoga
In the future of yoga, teachers must reclaim the practice’s depth. This means integrating pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy into every class - not just asanas. While physical postures are important, they are just one limb of the eight-fold path of yoga.
Yoga isn’t about perfecting a handstand; it’s about perfecting the art of living.
4. Representation and Diversity
Inclusivity isn’t just about cost; it’s about representation. The future of yoga should celebrate people of all body types, ages, ethnicities, and abilities. Teachers and studios must create spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background.
Yoga as a Fitness Trend: A Cautionary Tale
While yoga’s popularity as a fitness trend has introduced millions to the practice, it has also led to its dilution.
The future of yoga must strike a balance. We can honor the physical benefits of yoga while emphasizing its deeper purpose - spiritual growth and inner awareness. By doing so, we ensure that yoga remains a holistic practice, not just another workout.
Reimagining the Future of Yoga in 2025
Imagine this:
A small-town teacher offering free yoga classes in a community hall.
A farmer in Rajasthan practicing pranayama at dawn.
An online platform providing affordable access to meditation and philosophy classes.
A diverse group of students practicing yoga together, free from judgment or intimidation.
This is the future of yoga we must strive for - a practice that is accessible, inclusive, and transformative for everyone, not just the privileged few.
Can 2025 Be the Year of Change?
Yes, it can. But the responsibility lies with all of us - teachers, students, studio owners, and even brands.
If you’re a teacher, offer classes in underserved communities. If you’re a studio owner, rethink your pricing model.
If you’re a practitioner, remember that yoga is about your experience - not your appearance.
The future of yoga is union, not division. Let’s make 2025 the year we return yoga to its true essence.
What’s your vision for the future of yoga?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s create a community that values inclusivity and authenticity.
