After an exhilarating “yoga sculpt” session that felt more like an intense boot camp than a traditional yoga class, I found myself sitting across from a friend over lunch. Despite a quick rinse-off after class, I could still feel beads of sweat clinging to my skin. This wasn’t the pristine glow of a post-yoga zen; it was the flush of a workout punctuated by a relentless barrage of push-ups, burpees, and weights—all set to the beat of pulsating Lady Gaga tracks.
We met years ago during our yoga teacher training, that sacred bonding experience that often feels like diving into the deep end of the yoga pool. We’ve spent countless hours chatting about the mysteries and nuances of yoga practice: How to modify crescent pose for those with knee injuries? Can you truly honor yoga’s roots while sprinkling in some modern flair?
In her classes, she immerses her students in the principles and ethics of yoga. We often come together in a tranquil space, dedicating time to breathwork and chanting ancient mantras in Sanskrit. Her methods evoke a sense of tradition and mindfulness that I deeply appreciate. Yet here I was, freshly emerged from a studio where deadlifts flowed into downward dog in a rhythm that felt miles away from the meditative silence I had grown accustomed to. We were worlds apart in our practice styles.
“Why is your face so red?” she asked with a blend of amusement and concern. “Did you just go for a run?” After a moment’s hesitation, I confessed, “I did a… um… yoga sculpt.” A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, as if I had let her down.
“Why would you do that?” she asked incredulously. “You know that’s not real yoga.”
Is there such a thing as “real” yoga? It’s a question that stirs a passionate debate among practitioners. The term imposes a narrow definition, suggesting there’s only one way to experience this ancient practice. Anything outside this perimeter is deemed inferior or somehow unworthy. In the past decade, as yoga has evolved and adapted, this notion has become increasingly fuzzy.
“Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a way of life,” shared Kate Lombardo, a seasoned yoga instructor and co-owner of YogaRenew. “Some believe that mixing in other elements dilutes the essence of yoga, and while I can see their point, I think if more people connected with the grounding nature of yoga, the benefits would extend to us all.”
Kate honors the roots of yoga but also appreciates its dynamic nature. Flexibility in how one defines yoga can be crucial.
“It’s okay to meet people where they are on their journey,” she insists. “We shouldn’t confine yoga to just physical activities. We should also ensure people don’t feel pushed away from classes because they may not connect with the spiritual or philosophical dimensions. A balanced approach is key, one that respects the varied lineages of yoga while making the practice accessible to all.”
The emergence of hybrid yoga classes, which blend traditional yoga principles with modern fitness elements, has become increasingly popular. According to a forthcoming survey by BetterMe, a remarkable 42% of respondents said innovative workout formats motivate them to stay active.
“Integrating different forms of exercise can make any training program more effective,” states Victoria Repa, a certified health coach and Pilates instructor. “While yoga emphasizes strength and flexibility, mixing it with aspects like cardio or resistance training can lead to gains that yoga alone may not provide.”
Hybrid classes serve as a gentle introduction to yoga for beginners and help seasoned yogis discover proper resistance training techniques, as well as boost cardiovascular fitness. Jessica Feldman, who leads the yoga-infused Warrior Sculpt classes at Life Time, emphasizes the creativity involved in blending multiple modalities.
“Our classes blend various yoga components—breathwork, grounding techniques, sun salutations—while also featuring weights and energetic sequences. This diverse approach expands comfort zones: whether you’re used to a group fitness environment or are strictly a yoga practitioner, you can reap the benefits of learning new movements, enhancing balance, coordination, and your overall mobility,” she explains.
Yoga instructor Karen Verechia, who innovatively incorporates TRX elements into her sessions at Hilton Head Health, highlights the diverse appeal of hybrid classes.
“Participants from all types of fitness backgrounds come to experience new physical awareness,” she notes. “The beauty of yoga lies in its ability to foster a profound mind-body connection, cultivating mindfulness in every movement. Embracing this awareness in other fitness settings allows participants to enjoy the core benefits of yoga while exploring varied techniques. To maintain a ‘beginner’s mind’ is essential; openness and curiosity should carry through all types of practice.”
Reflecting on my lunch with my friend, the “not real yoga” comment began to shift my perspective. For years, I thought of yoga in a very traditional sense, adhering closely to the classic definitions. But I’ve evolved over time, realizing that yoga doesn’t need to be rigid to be meaningful.
Sure, there are some trends—like goat yoga, or yoga classes held in breweries—that may seem frivolous, even watering down the essence for some. But incorporating these lighthearted avenues can, in my view, demystify yoga and invite a wider audience to explore it. If their entry point is lifting weights while belting out lyrics to “Bad Romance,” what’s the harm in that?
By adopting a mindset that welcomes variations in practice, we can each define “real” yoga on our terms, forging paths that enrich our lives and those of others. I often remind my students that their yoga journey is deeply personal. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, but that can steal away your joy. By embracing a broader view of yoga, we create a welcoming space for everyone to explore their unique experiences, allowing each of us to discover what yoga truly means. And, in the end, perhaps it all qualifies as real after all.
