Yoga For Everyone + Rock Star Status

My professor sent me a great Yoga article this morning  from the New York Times. The article, Yoga Manifesto, focuses on Yoga Rock Stars and the booming Yoga business. The author, May Billard, suggests that some Yogis are as recognizable as Oscar winners. It also mentions the costs of Yoga in NYC and how studios are starting to create affordable business plans to accommodate everyone's budget.

For instance, Yoga to the People has focused on providing Yoga classes to everyone. Participants donate whatever amount of money they can afford on that particular day and many do not pay for classes. Class sizes range up to 60 people and they average 450 studio visitors per day. In a place like NYC it is very expensive to own or rent space but by having huge numbers attend classes the studio is surviving and has expanded to other states.

In order to eliminate the Rock Star status, students do not know who is teaching the class until they arrive at the studio. The owner of Yoga to the People, Mr. Gumucio, is trying to reduce instructor preference by not advertising the instructor's name.

Mr. Gumucio found an excellent market niche. In NYC, there is a colossal of amazing instructors and I am sure everyone has something wonderful to share. Yoga for the People gives each instructor an opportunity to have a group of people who just want to practice Yoga.  There are so many instructors wanting to teach Yoga but often have trouble finding a group of people interested. Just getting a job at a Yoga studio is a challenge. The thrill and energy received from guiding a class is inspirational. Everyone interested in teaching Yoga, deserves the experience. I love my Yoga highs from teaching.

Please feel free to read the article and share your insight on the idea of Yoga Rock Star status.

yours gingerly,

W h i t n e y  S c h n a r r