Yogaesthetics: The Rise of Yogis on Social Media

In recent years, social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have transformed the landscape of yoga practice and community. With its visually driven format, Instagram has birthed a vibrant community of yogis who not only share their passion for yoga but also inspire millions around the globe. Among them, microinfluencers, influencers with followings between 1,000 and 100,00 followers (Hunter, 2023), are emerging as key players, fostering a new wave of connection, creativity, and accessibility within the yoga world.

Social media has long been a tool for connection, and for yogis, it has provided a unique opportunity to bridge gaps across continents. Through hashtags, challenges, live and recorded sessions, practitioners can share their journeys, from beginners exploring their first downward dog to seasoned instructors perfecting advanced poses. This digital camaraderie fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity that complements the sense of community found in a studio setting.

Influencers with smaller, yet highly engaged followings play a pivotal role in this phenomenon. They often create more intimate connections with their audiences, sharing authentic experiences and relatable stories. Their influence encourages people to embrace yoga as a practice for everyone, regardless of skill level or background. This democratization of yoga is reshaping the community into a diverse tapestry of voices and perspectives.

Enter the term “yogaesthetics,” which encapsulates the idea of presenting yoga as an art form. This trend emphasizes not just the physical postures but the beauty and creativity behind them. Practitioners capture stunning images in breathtaking locations, showcasing their skills while also inviting followers into the serene world of yoga.

These visually striking images serve as powerful motivators, encouraging individuals to explore their own practice and connect with yoga on a deeper level. The artistry involved in these poses can inspire creativity in movement, pushing boundaries and inviting practitioners to express themselves in new ways.

Furthermore, yogaesthetics has prompted an appreciation for mindfulness in everyday life. Practitioners are encouraged to find beauty in their surroundings, cultivating a deeper connection to both nature and self. This artistic approach to yoga fosters a greater understanding of the practice’s holistic benefits, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The rise of yogaesthetics invites practitioners to experience the beauty of yoga while deepening their practice.

Social media has also played a pivotal role in revolutionizing yoga by popularizing innovative practices, including variations on classic yoga poses and hybrid yoga poses that blend elements from different postures to create dynamic and engaging variations. These hybrids and variations reflect the creativity and diversity within the yoga community combined with classic yoga poses allow practitioners to explore new dimensions of their practice.

Poses like Fallen Angel Pose combine elements from both Side Crow Pose(Parsva Bakasana) and Twisted Arm Balancing Pose. In Fallen Angel, you balance on your arms while one leg is extended behind you, creating a twist in the torso. It requires strength, balance, and flexibility, drawing on the foundational principles of both side crow and arm balancing poses. The combination creates a unique challenge, engaging the core and enhancing focus.

Mermaid Pose is a beautiful synthesis of Pigeon Pose, Quad Stretch Pose, and a bind, making it a versatile addition to any yoga practice. In this pose, the front leg is positioned like in Pigeon Pose, opening the hip and stretching the hip flexors, while the back leg mirrors Quad Stretch Pose, engaging the quadriceps. As you reach back to bind the foot with one hand, you deepen the stretch and enhance the connection between the upper and lower body. This combination not only promotes flexibility in the hips and quads but also fosters stability and awareness throughout the torso, creating a harmonious balance of strength and openness in one fluid posture.

Standing Mermaid Pose is a dynamic variation of mermaid pose that incorporates balance and strength while standing in an action that is similar to Dancer Pose. In Standing Mermaid Pose, one leg is lifted and bent behind the practitioner, creating a visually striking shape that challenges stability. This variation not only enhances balance but also encourages focus and grounding through the standing leg, making it an excellent option for building strength and coordination.

(top photo)

Mermaid Split incorporates a deeper stretch by combining Mermaid Pose with Monkey Pose, a form of split. This variation involves extending one leg forward while the other remains bent behind. It requires significant hip flexibility and strength in the core and legs, providing a unique challenge and a chance to deepen the stretch in the hips, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

Together, these variations of Mermaid Pose highlight the creative possibilities within yoga, encouraging practitioners to explore new dimensions of their practice and embrace the playful, evolving nature of yoga.

Candy Cane Pose is a modern and playful synthesis of traditional yoga elements, particularly drawing from Dancer Pose and Half Moon Pose. This pose is named for its resemblance to the iconic holiday candy. It begins in a standing position, where practitioners balance on one leg in a manner reminiscent of Dancer Pose, extending the opposite arm upward while holding the foot of the lifted leg behind them. The pose transitions into a lateral bend similar to Half Moon Pose, enhancing balance, core strength, and flexibility.

Compass Pose combines elements of several foundational poses, particularly Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, Seated Forward Bend, Yogic Sleep Pose andSide Angle Pose.

In Compass Pose, the practitioner sits with one leg extended and the other leg bent, bringing the foot to the opposite hip while twisting the torso to reach forward and grasp the extended foot. This pose requires flexibility in the hips and hamstrings, as well as strength in the core and back. The twisting motion adds a dynamic element, encouraging a deep stretch while also promoting balance and stability.

Social media has also enhanced the community aspect of yoga. Online challenges, group classes, and virtual retreats have become common, allowing practitioners to connect regardless of geographical barriers. This sense of community provides support, accountability, and inspiration, enriching the yoga experience for all involved. This collective support nurtures a culture of kindness and encouragement, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

As the yoga community continues to evolve alongside social media, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok have a significant role to play in shaping the future of yoga. By amplifying voices, celebrating diversity, and fostering a sense of connection, yoga influencers are making the practice more accessible and engaging than ever before. As we celebrate this vibrant, inclusive community, it’s exciting to envision a future where yoga continues to inspire, uplift, and transform lives—one post, one pose, and one connection at a time.

Reference

Hunter, T. (2023). What is a micro-influencer, and why do brands use them? Built In.

Tummee.com. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from http://www.tummee.com

I have profiled a few key yoga influencers to watch.

 

Marysol Casal-Rico

Cat Doss-Alt: Tell me a bit about yourself.

Marysol Casal-Rico: I’m Marysol Casal Rico. I’m from Argentina. I’m a dance teacher, I specifically teach ballet and jazz dance. I’ve been taking dance classes since I was a very little girl. I graduated at the National School of Dance in Buenos Aires. Before moving to the US in 2020, I lived in Mexico City for six years where I kept teaching and taking classes too.

Cat Doss-Alt: How did you start doing yoga?

Marysol Casal-Rico: Soon after arriving to California the pandemic started. That was the beginning of my yoga journey. I started watching and reading about yoga. I was discovering a whole new world. Then, I started to practice and to get in touch with yogis around the world through Instagram. I hosted yoga challenges with incredible yogis. That was a great way to learn from them and from the participants too. There was a beautiful sense of community sharing the love for yoga in different ways. (This is the answer about social media too)

Cat Doss-Alt: How has having a regular yoga practice affected your life?

Marysol Casal-Rico: Practicing yoga regularly is amazing for my mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It helps me to be present, to connect better with myself and others, to let go what I need to and to enjoy challenging my body too.

Cat Doss-Alt: Can you tell me how your background as a ballerina has affected your yoga practice?

Marysol Casal-Rico: My dance background gives me a lot of body awareness. Everything related to posture, balance, strength, flexibility and coordination are very important in yoga and in dance. They complement extremely good. Dance has a very tough and precise technique, it pushes to the limits of pain and to always keep going on although being exhausted. In yoga there’s no pressure, we listen and respect our bodies in a way that if we feel it’s not the day for certain asana, it’s totally fine not to practice it. This is for me the most significant and interesting difference between dance and yoga that never ends to surprise me.

Cat Doss-Alt: How do you believe Social Media affects the yoga community?

Marysol Casal-Rico: I think that social media is great to connect with people in different latitudes that we wouldn’t have the chance to share our journeys if it wasn’t through Instagram. The yoga community is very supportive and encouraging. By the other side, I also think that the real world is outside Instagram and that we need to focus on connecting with the people surrounding us.

Cat Doss-Alt: What is your favorite yoga pose?

Marysol Casal-Rico: Trying to think of my favorite yoga pose, a lot of asanas come to my head. I can’t choose just one! I love the perspective that inversions give reminding us that many times the answers we look for are right there if we change the way we are looking.

Cat Doss-Alt: Who are some of your favorite yogis and why?

Marysol Casal-Rico: My favorite yogis are not renowned. They are resilient people that navigate the ups and downs of life with their yoga journey. To me, there’s nothing more inspiring than that.

Cat Doss-Alt: What do you recommend for yogis who are starting out or wishing to expand their public reach?

Marysol Casal-Rico: Instagram, YouTube and TikTok are very powerful tools if someone’s goal is to expand their reach or to promote what they do. It will be necessary to focus on the potential audience to give them the right messages, advice, tutorials and to interact with them.

Cat Doss-Alt: What are your plans for the future regarding your yoga career?

Marysol Casal-Rico: My yoga plans are to keep learning forever and to enjoy this endless practice in every single aspect of my life. I share my yoga practice as a forever student.

Cat Doss-Alt: What are the links to your public social media platforms?

Marysol Casal-Rico: My only social platform is Instagram @marysolcasalrico

•••• •••• ••••• •••• ••••

 

Penny Oliver

Cat Doss-Alt: Tell me a bit about yourself.

Penny Oliver: I am a 65 year old woman, mother of 2 grown sons and wife with a fashion design background! I love sports and fitness but I also love my own quirky style with plenty of lipstick, leopard, fur and shine. My mother always said I could not sit in my chair so that’s probably why I’ve always loved to exercise! I love to practice yoga, especially stretching and working on flexibility and making up new ways to do a pose. Mostly everyday I workout  practicing yoga along with kick boxing, lifting weights and hiking when I can. I feel yoga has been an asset in my life making me feel young, able, confident, friendly and with a strong desire to keep  reaching for  my potential!

Cat Doss-Alt: How did you start doing yoga?

Penny Oliver: At my mom’s funeral, I met her 86 year old yoga teacher and that to me was my first yoga class, I was 50 then but didn’t really get serious about yoga until approx 5 years later!

Cat Doss-Alt: How has having a regular yoga practice affected your life?

Penny Oliver: Nowadays, if I don’t stretch, I feel as though something is missing in my life! Stretching makes me feel sooooo awesome that I can’t live with out it!

Cat Doss-Alt: How does Social Media affect your yoga practice?

Penny Oliver: Social Media definitely affects one’s yoga practice both good and bad. It takes up an enormous amount of time getting back to people, liking their posts, creating, running and posting in yoga challenges and collaborating with sponsors. Of course it is all a choice whether you wish to take part but it’s fun and it’s an opportunity to make connections with people and meet people from around the world that love to practice yoga too! On the other hand, it can easily take up all your time!  I found myself engulfed with all of the above which took away from my practice so it is a very good thing to pace yourself! However, Instagram also makes you sharper in creativity, striving to make good posts, dedicating time to attempt, try and learn new poses and along the way you improve and never stop learning!

Cat Doss-Alt: What is your favorite yoga pose?

Penny Oliver: Any kind of splits is my favorite yoga pose. However, I’m constantly striving to improve in all of yoga so sometimes the camera angle or perspective, or where the pose I feel becomes my perfect expression of the pose and it all looks finished like a portrait, or art, makes me feel amazing!

Cat Doss-Alt: Who are some of your favorite yogis and why?

Penny Oliver: My favorite Yogi’s are the kind and fun ones, the ones that are always there that see things in your practice that you didn’t and love to have fun and are not quick to unfriend you like Kim at @leapoffaithyoga or @lokayogaschool or Raphael at @iconicyogis @judyleecole and many more and especially enjoy all the older ones over 60 because we all know we are so grateful to still be up and moving and having fun at our age!

Cat Doss-Alt: What do you recommend for yogis who are starting out or wishing to expand their public reach?

Penny Oliver: I would tell beginners to start taking part in yoga challenges on Instagram if you really want to physically get into yoga! If the teaching part is what you really love then stay off! Instagram has the potential to steal enormous amounts of your time! Of course if you find that happy middle, it can work out to your advantage!

Cat Doss-Alt: What are your plans for the future regarding your yoga career?

Penny Oliver: My plan for the future is to still push myself, have fun and enjoy my practice and inspire other people that they are never too old to start and it’s just not to let for anyone!

Last April I broke my foot so during that time of healing I took a Yoga Teacher Training course and became a Registered Yoga Teacher! I would like to share my practice with others by offering classes at our town’s park, our church, getting some willing friends to yoga at the beach, or mountains or hiking, etc! Whatever we can dream up that’s fun, we’ll do! When I travel I love to strike up poses and share both the travel journey and the yoga journey and have shared poses with people in unusual places so I’d love to continue that!

Cat Doss-Alt: What are the links to your public social media platforms?

@shineypennyoga

I am also on Facebook for anyone wishing to follow my journey with the same name. That way my FB friends don’t have to see my poses every day, and I can still enjoy my friends who are not into yoga.

•••• •••• ••••• •••• ••••

Dr. Meena Singh

Cat Doss-Alt: Why do you do yoga?

Dr. Meena Singh: Yoga, for me, is a deeply personal journey of self-exploration. I believe that the greatest adventure one can undertake is the journey inward, to truly understand oneself. There was a time when, like many, my focus was solely on the external world. However, life introduced me to remarkable individuals who guided and inspired me to turn inward, leading me to this path of self-discovery. Yoga feels natural to me—it brings a profound sense of peace and serves as nourishment for my soul, offering clarity in times of uncertainty.

Additionally, my practice goes beyond personal fulfilment; it is a way to inspire my family and those around me toward health and well-being. While the impact may not always be visible, I trust that my immediate family, friends, and followers are influenced by my dedication in subtle ways. I see it as my responsibility to help others lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives, and yoga is the vehicle through which I strive to do so.

Cat Doss-Alt: How did you start doing yoga?

Dr. Meena Singh: I was introduced to yoga early in life. Growing up in India, it was part of our school curriculum, and I took an instant liking to it for reasons I couldn’t fully understand at the time. I practiced regularly throughout my school years, but as life unfolded—higher education, family responsibilities—yoga naturally took a backseat.

It wasn’t until 2014, when my daughter began playing competitive tennis, that I reconnected with it.

As a teenager deeply committed to the sport, I wanted to support her in every way possible. I had read the biographies of several great tennis players and was fascinated by how much they credited yoga for helping them stay fit, flexible, calm, and composed, both physically and mentally, during their matches. This inspired me to dive back into yoga, not just for myself but to better assist her.

I decided to enroll in a month-long yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, close to my city. It wasn’t an easy decision—I was apprehensive about leaving my family and kids behind—but their unwavering support gave me the confidence to move forward. That experience was truly transformational. It reignited my passion for yoga and marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Since then, there has been no turning back.

Cat Doss-Alt: How has having a regular yoga practice affected your life?

Dr. Meena Sigh: Having a regular yoga practice has profoundly impacted my life in so many ways. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I have never felt fitter or more balanced. But beyond that, yoga has awakened a deep spiritual inclination within me—one that has nothing to do with religion but everything to do with self-awareness and inner growth. Through yoga, I’ve gained invaluable insights into my own body and mind.

That said, I’ve experienced my fair share of aches, pains, and injuries, which I believe is a natural part of any dedicated yoga practice. It’s not about avoiding these challenges, but about how you cope with them and, more importantly, how you recover. There’s a saying: “Yoga helps us cure what should not be endured and endure what cannot be cured,” and I’ve found that to be true in my own journey.

Yoga’s benefits extend beyond just the physical and mental realms. It touches my entire being.

Another saying that resonates deeply with me is, “If you help someone cross the river, you yourself get to the other end.” Through teaching yoga, I’ve had the privilege of guiding others toward healthier, more fulfilling lives, and that gives my own life immense meaning. The satisfaction I get from knowing that I’ve helped someone improve their life is indescribable. I could go on, but these are just a few of the key takeaways from my yoga practice. It’s an ongoing journey, one that continues to enrich my life in countless ways.

Cat Doss-Alt: How does social media affect your own yoga practice?

Dr. Meena Singh: Social media has been a tremendous asset, especially during the lockdowns brought on by COVID-19. It became an essential tool for my personal practice, as I participated in numerous yoga challenges regularly. Through these platforms, I’ve also connected with countless fellow practitioners, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Social media erases geographical boundaries, turning the world into one interconnected community.

Professionally, it has allowed me to reach clients from across the globe, spreading the light of yoga far and wide. While traditional yogic texts suggest practicing yoga in solitude, I believe that yoga teaches us flexibility—not just of the body but of the mind. It encourages us to adapt to the times and circumstances around us. As the world has evolved, so has yoga, which is a big reason for its global popularity today.

For me, showcasing asanas on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube is not about boasting or showing off expertise. It’s about inspiring others. I always ensure that what I share is attainable for the average person, giving them that extra nudge, that little spark, to believe, “If I can do it, so can you.”

If you look at my content, you’ll notice I often incorporate simple props—many of them household items—to demonstrate how anyone can enhance their practice. I firmly believe that doing something, even if it’s just a small effort, is always better than doing nothing at all. Yoga isn’t just about physical flexibility; it’s about the flexibility of the mind.

For me, social media is not about displaying fancy, impossible-to-achieve poses. It’s about reaching out to that one person who needs inspiration and who’s waiting for that push to begin their journey. When used wisely and with the right intent, social media is an incredibly powerful tool to uplift and motivate others.

Cat Doss-Alt: How do you believe social media affects the yoga community?

Dr. Meena Singh: Social media has had a tremendous impact on the yoga community, playing a pivotal role in spreading the popularity of yoga across the globe. It has transformed yoga into a truly universal practice, breaking down barriers of distance, time, and language, allowing people from all walks of life to connect and share their journeys. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and sharing yoga with individuals from around the world, something that wouldn’t have been possible without these platforms.

Beyond fostering global connections, social media has also become a source of livelihood for many yogis and yoginis. For the first time, practitioners and teachers of this ancient art and science have been able to earn their living through yoga, reaching audiences far beyond their local communities.

While it’s not always easy to make a decent living in this field, social media has opened doors that simply didn’t exist before its advent.

It’s remarkable to see how this digital space has not only amplified yoga’s reach but also empowered countless individuals to turn their passion into a sustainable career. Social media, when used with the right intent, has undoubtedly been a powerful asset for the yoga community, helping it thrive in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.

Cat Doss-Alt: What is your favorite yoga pose?

Dr. Meena Singh: My favourite yoga pose is “Kapotasana.” I love it because it presents a unique challenge, combining deep backbends with hip opening. This combination helps release a lot of the tension that gets stored in the body and mind, offering a profound sense of release and relief. What makes Kapotasana even more special to me is the emotional aspect—it’s said that hip-opening poses help release stored emotions, which can lead to a deeper sense of emotional balance. Every time I practice it, I feel like I’m shedding layers of stress and tension, leaving me feeling more open, both physically and mentally.

Cat Doss-Alt: Who are some of your favorite yogis and why?

Dr. Meena Singh: It’s difficult to choose just a few among the many exceptional gurus who have profoundly influenced my yoga journey. Each teacher has left a lasting impact, and I’m grateful for their wisdom and guidance. However, if I had to name a few, my all-time favourite yogi would undoubtedly be Lord Shiva—known as the Adiyogi, the first yogi and the giver of yoga to the world.

In ancient sacred texts, Lord Shiva is often revered as the ultimate ascetic, the embodiment of balance and tranquility. The Shiva Samhita, one of the important texts in yoga, describes him as the originator of this practice. There’s a shloka that speaks to his nature: योगिनांपतयेनमः (Yoginām pataye namah)

“I bow to the Lord of the Yogis.”

This connection to Shiva as the Adiyogi, the source of yoga, is something I feel deeply on a spiritual level.

From modern times, one of my most revered yogis is Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. His humility, profound wisdom, and in-depth understanding of yoga as a complete science make him an inspiration for me and countless others. What I admire most about him is his ability to make yoga accessible, even for those who found it most challenging. His focus on precision and alignment through the use of props opened up yoga to a wide range of people, regardless of age, health, or physical ability.

Iyengar’s teachings are rooted in the idea that yoga is not only for the flexible or the fit but for everyone, and that is a philosophy I deeply resonate with. His contribution to modern yoga is immense, and I hold his work and legacy in the highest esteem.

Cat Doss-Alt: What do you recommend for yogis who are starting out or wishing to expand their public reach?

Dr. Meena Singh: For yogis who are just starting out or looking to expand their public reach, my first recommendation is to always remain true to yourself. Authenticity is key. There’s no need to imitate others or feel pressured by trends or popularity. Don’t aspire to be viral—simply focus on sharing what comes naturally to you and what holds genuine value for your audience. Let the results unfold organically.

Consistency is essential, not just in your yoga practice but also in how you present yourself to the world. Remember, the virtual world operates on the same principle as real-life relationships—it’s about genuine give and take. Show the same interpersonal skills online as you would in person. Be sincere in your appreciation of others, engage meaningfully with your community, and always remain humble.

Another important aspect is to be a storyteller. Your journey in yoga is uniquely your own, and the way you share it can inspire others. Showcase your practice, your progress, and your insights in a way that others can relate to. Let your own growth become a source of motivation for those around you.

Lastly, qualities like selflessness, truthfulness, and simplicity will naturally attract people to you.

When your intent is pure and your heart is in the right place, it will reflect in everything you do, and that will help you reach people far and wide. Stay grounded, stay genuine, and the right audience will find you.

Cat Doss-Alt: What are your plans for the future regarding your yoga career?

Dr. Meena Singh: In terms of my future plans for my yoga career, my primary goal is to reach and assist as many people as possible, especially those struggling with the physical and mental challenges of modern-day lifestyles and I am committed to helping individuals through both online and offline classes.

Having had the privilege to learn Pranayama and Meditation with esteemed yogis in the Himalayas, I intend to share this invaluable knowledge with others. While online teaching has significantly boosted my career, allowing me to connect with people worldwide, I still cherish the experience of in-person interactions, feeling the energy of new places and yogis. One of my biggest dreams is to travel to the USA and share my yoga practice with the wonderful people there.

Teaching yoga to children from the US during the COVID pandemic was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am eager to return and continue that work.

I look forward to finding someone who can help make these plans a reality and be my partner in nurturing a healthier, happier generation.

Cat Doss-Alt: What are the links to your public social media platforms?

Dr. Meena Singh: One can find me on the following social media platforms:

Instagram: @meena_yoga_life

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017364152039

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meenayoga9965

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-meena-singh-724243146/

To reach out to me personally, one can email me at meenayogalife@gmail.com.

•••• •••• ••••• •••• ••••

Cat Doss-Alt is a Registered Yoga Teacher 500 (RYT-500)