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Original poster

To wonder if yoga is becoming less popular now?

90 replies

GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 14:10

I have been practicing for 8 years. We had one local class, a kind of fast ashtanga with a pretty dire teacher for a few years, which I stopped attending after 6 months.
Around 2019 our local class count grew to around 5, mostly nameless types which just endlessly went through sun salutations for an hour.

The popularity seemed to grow rapidly through lockdowns and has now petered out altogether. The original class finally shut it's doors a few weeks ago. No one here seems to be bothered anymore.

Has anyone else noticed this?
I know a lot of these things are prone to fashion and fads, but I do sense a general drop in interest all around in the past year or so. Online spaces that chat about yoga seem less lively too.

I am wondering if there is a new thing people are getting in to, perhaps?
I asked two people that I am familiar with why they stopped going to classes, and one said she had a small knee injury that grew worse with her teacher's instruction to ease it.
The other said she felt more at home with pilates.

Anyone else noticed it?

OP posts:
irregularegular · 22/10/2024 16:34

The classes at my local yoga club seem to be as numerous and full as ever, if not more so.

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 22/10/2024 16:32

I do mine 4 times a week online. Maybe a lot of people prefer this now.

BunfightBetty · 22/10/2024 16:31

Pilates, reformer Pilates and Barre seem more the thing where I am (SW London), though still plenty of yoga classes to choose from.

Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:31

Interesting to hear people mention bad teachers or issues from yoga. I would love to learn more about that. Are people becoming more aware of it now compared to previously?

How is focusing on flexibility dangerous? Perhaps if it is to the exclusion of strength then yes, it would be.

I must admit that over the years I get less of a buzz from my practice. I used to always feel invigorated or deeply relaxed after a session, but it feels a little flat this past year. I do add new things to keep it fresh but I feel a bit sad that something has kind of 'worn off' and it doesn't excite me as much anymore.

I still keep at it as I love the strength and physical 'certainty' that I feel with a regular practice.

OP posts:
NewName24 · 22/10/2024 16:29

Another who would say 'quite the opposite'.

You can't have a scroll through Facebook here without a class being advertised.

DinahSlade · 22/10/2024 16:28

I used to do yoga until about 7 years ago but have since moved on to pilates which I much prefer.

HelenHywater · 22/10/2024 16:26

My studio has introduced pilates classes now and they are always full. . I haven't noticed any reduction in attendance to yoga, but the classes aren't as popular as the pilates ones which are always waitlist only.

I still go to yoga but have added pilates into my routine

Wexone · 22/10/2024 16:26

I dunno there is yoga down on the beach nearly every Saturday near me - its 10e a go and she has at least 20 each time. She also does other beaches aswell. I don't go as its outside - too cold for me. I used to go to another class one eve i like it but she went so fast i couldn't keep up nor know ew if was doing it right or not so stopped going - i do it online now as its my own pace

Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:25

PeloMom · 22/10/2024 16:23

You’re talking about the reformer Pilates - that’s the one with machines. There are Pilates classes that are on the floor and with very little if any equipment.

Show quote history

Thanks! Yes, they scare me a bit, but would love to find out more. Some people here take things so seriously!

OP posts:
Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:24

Here we are, the 'machines'. Perhaps it is an esoteric type of pilates that mumsnet hasn't heard of Grin

To wonder if yoga is becoming less popular now?
OP posts:
Mysticguru · 22/10/2024 16:23

I'm in the SE.

I attend two yoga classes a week @ £10 each. Always full and you have to book early.

PeloMom · 22/10/2024 16:23

GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:21

I have perhaps seen a version of pilates that no one else has?
There are plenty images and videos online with mechanical assistance in pilates, is it 'reformer'? I am not sure, but unless machine is the incorrect term, it isn't too hard to find!

You’re talking about the reformer Pilates - that’s the one with machines. There are Pilates classes that are on the floor and with very little if any equipment.

EgyptionJackal · 22/10/2024 16:23

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

PeloMom · 22/10/2024 16:22

Sounds like your original place sucked so lost clients. I haven’t noticed dwindling, quite the opposite. However the instructors have to be good and engaging, not just going through the motions as described in OP.

Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:21

I have perhaps seen a version of pilates that no one else has?
There are plenty images and videos online with mechanical assistance in pilates, is it 'reformer'? I am not sure, but unless machine is the incorrect term, it isn't too hard to find!

OP posts:
loropianalover · 22/10/2024 16:21

Is a reformer not a machine? 😄

Agree Pilates seems to be more popular these days. If I want to do Yoga I do it at home honestly.

conniefromaccounts · 22/10/2024 16:20

I can't afford the £8+ a session so I no longer go.
🤷🏻‍♀️

greengreyblue · 22/10/2024 16:19

No machines in Pilates.

ViaBlue · 22/10/2024 16:19

We recently got a hotpod yoga studio in my town and it's brilliant and very popular! It's warm and nice. Practice is very strength based due to lots of vinayasas..it's great.

Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:18

i am!

OP posts:
greengreyblue · 22/10/2024 16:18

Machines??? Think you're confused.

Thommasina · 22/10/2024 16:18

GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:14

How so?
I'm not too experienced with pilates.

I had an inner knee injury for 8 months last year and went to a class for instruction, the teacher just shrugged Shock
Did get it checked medically and resting a good while helped to heal it. All of the local classes I attended never gave instruction, corrections or assistance for different needs. They probably could have been quite dangerous for some.

Much of the anatomical safety info online is rather vague too, such as 'when in forward bend, lift with the sit bones'. I can understand it, but a newcomer might not.

Show quote history

It is more about strength. Yoga's emphasis on flexibility can be damaging.

Original poster
GardenDreams · 22/10/2024 16:18

I have always been a bit scared of pilates because of the machines Grin
Must look into it more.

OP posts:
VesperLind · 22/10/2024 16:16

Loads of yoga where I am but of variable quality. It’s also very expensive compared to all other classes except Pilates - my bootcamp, strength and conditioning classes are only £5, yoga is minimum £10 and usually more like £12-£15. The classes tend to be very long and in uncomfortably cold venues. I want warmth and nice smells for that price, not a dusty village hall!

Delatron · 22/10/2024 16:16

Pilates is much better and is recommended more by physios and doctors. That may contribute to the decline in yoga’s popularity.

Yoga tends to prize flexibility whereas Pilates is more strength and you don’t need to be ridiculously flexible to access the advanced poses - you need strength.

I think the spiritual side of yoga can out people off too.

I hurt my back very badly doing yoga…some instructors will force a position that is not suitable.

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