Ep 27: The Hyper-sexualization of Yoga

Instead of being a place for mental peace in personal growth, yoga becomes another source of societal pressure. One way the hypersexualization of yoga  harms students is via their mental and emotional wellbeing. The pressure to match idealized images can lead to anxiety, stress, and even eating disorders, and this is especially worrying. 

Students turn to yoga to escape the very stress and societal expectations that they are experiencing in life, many times caused by hypersexualization and body image issues. 

In this episode, I'll discuss how hyper-sexualization began and recommendations on how to mitigate the issue and make changes in your position as the teacher. Therefore, anyone who's interested in practicing yoga, doesn't have to cut through all of this noise too. 

I'm excited for this conversation and can't wait for you to have a listen!

Transcript

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Hyper sexualization also harms students mental and emotional wellbeing. The pressure to match idealized images can lead to anxiety, stress, and even eating disorders. Instead of being a place for mental peace in personal growth, yoga becomes another source of societal pressure. This is especially worrying. Since many people turn to yoga, to escape. The very stress and societal expectations that they are experiencing in life. Many times caused by hypersexualization and body image issues. In this episode, I'll discuss how hyper-sexualization began and recommendations on how to mitigate the issue and make changes so that anyone who's interested in practicing yoga, doesn't have to cut through. All of this noise too. Welcome to the Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers podcast with me. I'm Monica Bright, and I've been teaching yoga and running my yoga business for over a decade. This is the podcast for you if you're a yoga teacher, you're looking for support, you love to be in conversation, and you're a lifelong student. In this podcast, I'll share with you My life as a yoga teacher, the lessons I've learned, my process for building my business, and helpful ideas, tools, strategies, and systems I use and you can use so that your business thrives. We'll cover a diverse range of topics that will help you whether you're just starting out or you've got years under your belt and you want to dive deep and set yourself up for success. I'm so glad you're here. Listen, I don't take myself too seriously, so expect to hear some laughs along the way. Now, let's do this together. Welcome back to the podcast. My friend, full disclosure. I am recording off of about three hours of sleep. There was a thunder storm overnight, and I love thunderstorms with all of my heart. But I couldn't get back to sleep after it had passed. So I'm running on fumes right now. But I love it here with you. And we've got another important topic to discuss the hyper sexualization of yoga. I'm sure you've seen it. It's everywhere. So my first question to you is in your gut. How does it make you feel? And I just want you to sit with that for a moment. You see, yoga was originally practiced for spiritual growth and inner peace, but modern yoga now often highlights physical fitness and looks. This change has led to a big issue. What we're talking about today, the hyper. Sexualization of yoga. Showing yoga in a sexualized way in media and advertising. Not only twists its original purpose, but also creates several problems. Such as body image issues, exclusion and turning spirituality into a commercial product. You see hyper-sexualization in yoga clearly on social media. Or in advertisements. Where pictures of people in revealing clothes doing advanced poses are super common. This physical portrayal of the practice often makes yoga seem like it's just about flexibility and attractiveness, rather than focusing on the deeper, more meaningful purposes. These images create a narrow and often unrealistic idea of what a Yogi should look like. Focusing mostly on young. Slim and conventionally attractive people. Just search hashtags, like beginner, yoga, or yoga mom. Or yoga poses and have a look at the images that come up. Many of those beginner yoga images are here, not portraying what a beginner student looks like. Which, you know, detracts them from the practice and leads them to say statements like I'm not flexible enough. One major problem with this hyper-sexualization is its impact on body image. Yoga should be inclusive and promote self-acceptance and overall wellbeing. However, when yoga is shown, And a hyper-sexualized way. It can create pressure to look a certain way leading to dissatisfaction with one's body. And a disconnection from yoga's true benefits. Leading students to focus more on achieving a particular look rather than developing mindfulness. And self-compassion. Additionally hyper-sexualization can exclude people who don't fit the narrow image, seen in the media. Yoga should be accessible to everyone. We say it all the time. Right? Regardless of age size or ability. But when yoga is portrayed, as only for those with idealized bodies, it makes others feel left out. This exclusion goes against yoga's inclusive nature, preventing many from experiencing. It's benefits because they feel inadequate or uncomfortable. Another problem is the commercialization of yoga. As yoga has gained popularity, it has also become more commercialized. Products, clothing and classes are often advertised using hyper sexualized images. Turning yoga into a consumer driven. Industry. This change, not only it takes away from the authenticity of yoga, but also exploit's its spiritual roots for profit. Reducing a deep practice to a mirror, fashion trend or fitness craze. Hyper sexualization can also harm students, mental and emotional wellbeing. The pressure to match idealized images can lead to anxiety, stress, and even eating disorders. Instead of being a place for mental peace and personal growth. Yoga becomes another source of societal pressure. This is especially worrying. Since many people turn to yoga to escape the very stress. And social expectations that they're experiencing in life many times caused by hypersexualization and body image issues. And finally hyper-sexualization can potentially damage this. Teacher student relationship and yoga. When yoga instructors are hyper-sexualized, especially in promotional materials, it can create unrealistic expectations and shift the focus from the instructors skills and ability to guide students spiritually and physically. To their appearance. This dynamic can undermine the respect and trust as central for a good learning environment in yoga. Okay. I'm not picking on one gender here, but I've had plenty of experiences where when men find out that I'm a yoga teacher, I can literally see the wheels turning in their heads. Then yoga is often used as the entry point to them wanting a different type of connection with me. And I'll let you use your imagination with that. You know, that I would love for everyone in the world to practice yoga because of its life-changing benefits. But at times, I've considered only teaching women. Now I do have a number of male students, but they're respectful and don't cross any boundaries. Fixing hyper sexualization in yoga needs a multi-step approach. Both students and teachers should push for a return to yoga's roots. Uh, focusing on its spiritual and mental benefits. Over physical appearance, yoga communities and studios should promote diversity and inclusivity by showing a variety of body types and emphasizing the holistic aspects of yoga, marketing, and advertising in the yoga industry. You should move away from hyper-sexualized images. Highlighting the practices, depth and inclusivity in stent. I've discussed these topics in more depth in previous episodes episode. 22. Yoga, social media and cultural appropriation. And episode 23 centered around body positivity and aesthetics. The hyper sexualization of yoga is a serious issue that distorts its essence promotes unrealistic body standards. And commercializes a profound. Spiritual practice by recognizing and addressing these problems. We, you, me, all of us in the yoga community can work towards preserving the true nature of yoga. One that is inclusive, holistic and focused on inner growth and wellbeing. Through collective effort, it's possible to reclaim yoga. As a practice that nurtures the mind, body and spirit. Free from the constraints of hyper-sexualized representations. Going forward in this episode, I'll discuss how hypersexualization began. And give you some recommendations on how to mitigate the issue and make changes so that anyone who's interested in practicing yoga. Doesn't have to cut through all this noise too. Let's look at how hypersexualization began in yoga. The hyper-sexualization of yoga is pretty recent and has developed alongside the practices, growing popularity in the west. This shift can be traced through several key factors and historical developments. When yoga was introduced to the west in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it gained significant traction during the fitness and wellness boom of the 1970s and eighties as yoga started to become a commercial product. It was marketed in ways that emphasized its physical aspects. Asana's body image and the effects on the body with the intention of appealing to a wider audience. Interested in fitness and health. The rise of mass media played a critical role in shaping public perceptions of yoga. We went from magazines and television shows to now the internet and social media platforms, which have featured images of slim toned individuals, performing advanced yoga poses. These images often focus on physical appearance rather than the practices, spiritual and mental benefits. The integration into the fitness industry. Uh, further contributed to issues of hypersexualization. You see it everywhere. Fitness culture often emphasizes body aesthetics and physical prowess and yoga was eventually adapted to fit this mold classes and promotional materials highlight the physical benefits of yoga, such as flexibility and muscle tone. Often using images of scantily clad practitioners. Hot yoga classes, promote the heat and humidity as a way to shed pounds and get a quote unquote, yoga body. I think the importance of celebrities is waning a bit nowadays, but celebrity endorsements and the involvement of high profile individuals in yoga also fueled its hyper sexualization. You'd see celebrities showcasing their yoga practice through glamorous. Highly stylized photos and videos. Influencing public perception. And setting unrealistic standards for appearance and performance in yoga. The advent of social media is significantly accelerated the hyper-sexualization of yoga. These platforms have become spaces where users share visually striking images of their practice. The quest for likes and followers often lead to the promotion of. Provocative and visually appealing content over more genuine representations of yoga. There are even accounts for Nudie yoga. And during the pandemic, I even saw these classes being offered over zoom, which was kind of crazy. And I never took one. Um, but I watched a teacher. That I follow during the pandemic over time. Show more and more of their body. And then they mentioned how they were starting to be harassed and stopped. Now I'm not going to get into a debate over what people can and cannot wear because it is 100% up to the individual. However used in the context with a yoga practice, detracts from the practice and kind of puts a sexualized filter on the entire practice. Okay. Don't come at me. No seriously. I would love to hear what you have to say about this. You could send me a text. The link is in the show notes below, because we should be conversing about these topics. And I would love to hear what you have to say about it. Moving on. Think about the marketing strategies to attract a broader audience. Yoga brands and studios began to use these marketing strategies, promotional material featuring young. Attractive models in revealing yoga attire became commonplace. This type of marketing capitalized on societal beauty standards and the allure of physical perfection. We cannot negate cultural misinterpretation, whether it's willful or not. Western interpretations of yoga, involved, a misunderstanding or over a simplification of its complex, cultural and spiritual roots. By focusing predominantly on the physical aspects and aesthetic appeal. And finally economic incentives, the lucrative nature of the wellness and fitness industry created economic incentives to market yoga in ways that appeal to consumer desires for beauty and physical perfection. Think about Lulu lemon in its earlier days. And the models and mannequins they had showing off their apparel. They've diversified a bit now, but their CEO still has some really harmful messages. About who the clothes are for and who they're not for. Think about the products. The apparel and the classes that were sold. Using images that reinforced hyper-sexualized standards, driving profits. At the expense. Of yoga's authenticity. The hyper sexualization of yoga began through a combination of all of these commercialization media influence. Fitness industry integration. Celebrity endorsements, social media dynamics, marketing strategies, cultural misinterpretation, and economic incentives. This shift towards hyper-sexualization has had significant implications for how yoga is perceived. And practice today often overshadowing its spiritual and holistic roots. Addressing this issue. Requires a concerted effort to return to the true essence of yoga promoting inclusivity. Authenticity and a focus on mental and spiritual wellbeing. Over physical appearance. So, how do we do that? Let's talk about it. The hyper sexualization of yoga is definitely a complex issue, but there are several steps that can be taken to address and mitigate its impact. Here are eight tips that we can all implement to help fix this problem. Promote. Inclusivity and diversity by featuring a diverse range of body types, ages, genders. And ethnicities in classes, advertising and social media. Highlighting the variety of people who practice yoga. Helps combat the narrow hyper-sexualized image often portrayed in the media. Next we can emphasize the mental, spiritual, and emotional benefits of yoga. Rather than just the physical aspects, focus on teaching the principles of mindfulness, meditation, and self compassion, helping students connect with the deeper purpose of yoga. Number three. Establish yoga environments, where everyone feels safe and respected. This includes having clear policies against harassment and discrimination. As well as training, staff and instructors to handle issues related to hypersexualization and body image sensitivity. Number four, move away from using hyper-sexualized imagery and all marketing. Instead showcase authentic stories of personal growth. Testimonials. And the inclusive nature of yoga, this shift can help redefine how yoga is perceived by the public. Number five. Educate yoga students about the negative effects of hypersexualization and the importance of self-acceptance workshops, seminars, and classes can be held to discuss body positivity. Self-love. And the holistic benefits of yoga. Number six. Encourage authenticity on social media. Promote authenticity by sharing real unfiltered experiences of your yoga practice on social media. This includes discussing challenges, setbacks, and the personal growth you've experienced rather than focusing solely on perfect poses or appearances. Number seven. Align with and support body positive movements and organizations that promote a healthy and realistic view of bodies collaborate with these groups so you can help spread a more inclusive and less sexualized image of yoga. And finally encourage yoga organizations and governing bodies to adopt policies. That discouraged hyper-sexualization this might include guidelines for marketing. Codes of conduct for teachers and standards for advertising that promote the true essence of yoga. I believe we can work towards a more inclusive. Respectful and authentic representation of yoga. This not only preserves the integrity of yoga, but also ensures that its benefits are accessible to everyone free from the pressures of hyper-sexualization. Through collective effort, we can help to return the teachings of yoga to its roots as a practice that nurtures the mind. Body and spirit providing a sanctuary for personal growth and wellbeing. I don't think we talk about this enough. And sometimes these conversations can feel uncomfortable. But that's exactly where change happens. As teachers, we can initiate the shift by starting the conversation with students managers and studio owners. I hope that this episode sparks some deeper thought around how you think about how you perceive hyper-sexualization in yoga. I've added a link in the show notes for you to send me a quick text message and no, I won't know your phone number. It's just a neat little addition to the platform that I use that allows for this new. And super easy way for you to communicate with me. Once you click on it. It will take you to your messages. Don't delete the code. That's how your message will get to me. And I would love to know your thoughts on this topic. And I'll maybe even feature your comment on a future episode and answer a question you have, or just bring up the comment and share it with the rest of the audience. I love diving into these conversations because there are so many important discussions to be had in the teaching world. You know that my goal is for you to love the yoga teaching life and allow it to be fulfilling and rewarding. And sometimes it takes some work and a few conversations to get there. If you loved this episode, let me know. Subscribe to the podcast. So you're always in the know when a new episode drops and share it with another yoga teacher who you think would love to be in on these conversations. Thank you for helping to spread the word about this podcast. If you've been taking notes in your journal, as you listened to these episodes, I'm so glad you are. And I'd love to know. Finally, don't forget to join my newsletter. That's just for yoga teachers. I've got some exciting teachings coming soon. So I want to tell you all about them. The link is in the show notes below, and I would love for you to join it. So we can always stay connected. All right. That's it for now. Bye. Mhm.