When I first wrote about laughing yoga, then again with antigravity yoga… I seriously thought the buck stopped there. I’ve underestimated the phenomenon yoga has taken on the world, I wonder how many yoga spin-offs are out there. I might just make it my mission to find them all! My new discovery is a modern spin to yoga called Punk Rock Yoga. Has yoga fusion gone too far? Let’s see if this truly is a form of yoga or if it’s all talk with none of the walk!
First, let’s Define Yoga. Experts say: on the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims.
Punk Rock Yoga is supposedly traditional Hatha yoga with a twist – they practice with urban music in unconventional spaces, often with live musicians in the room. It was started by Kimberly Jensen of Seattle, Washington because she wanted to veer yoga away from its rigid roots and tear down traditional yoga stereotypes.
Some Key Characteristics of Punk Rock Yoga:
- Stresses “individuality” and “do-it-yourself”.
- There are no mirrors in the room – to help eliminate self-consciousness.
- Some poses are partnered – to promote trust and comfort amongst classmates.
- There is time for “freeform movement”, where students are allowed to explore poses on their own and express their individuality – so essentially everyone is practicing in the same room but doing different poses.
- Music extends beyond just “punk”. They use all different genres of music.
So what do you think? Is this consistent with the definition above? Would you consider a Punk Rock Yoga class “yoga”?
For Further Reading: Do You Love the Ramones? [Yoga Journal], Punk Rock Yoga [The Examiner], Official Site [Punk Rock Yoga]
awesome. i had to quit after ending up in urgent care during bikram hah. .-= Lisa-Anne´s last...
yogafan says:
while they’re at it, why not add rap yoga, rockin and a rollin’ yoga, and hiphop yoga? this is hilarious!
29th June 2009 at 12:10 pm
roseanne says:
Well, as far as yoga hybrids go, this one isn’t too bad. It’s actually not so much a “yoga fusion” as it is a branding opportunity. But I do like the idea of rebelling against the yoga establishment, and of introducing a D.I.Y., free-form element to the practice. PRY also seems to maintain the integrity of the asanas, while breaking down yoga stereotypes about music, location and “accessories” (ie, the right clothes, mats, etc). Yoga has become very glossy and pretty in our culture, so PRY lends a bit of an edge, a bit of dirt – which is actually true to the ancient practice of yoga, and how it was associated with outsiders, black magic and “boogeymen.”
PRY may be more problematic for punk rock reasons than yoga reasons – co-opting the term “punk rock,” applying it to yoga and then trademarking it isn’t very punk rock.
29th June 2009 at 9:38 am
Jiggly says:
i agree – this form of yoga doesn’t seem that farfetched, given they’re still doing traditional yoga poses with a focus on mental well-being, just with a unique spin on music and atmosphere. and i did not know about the ancient practice of yoga and how it was associated with outsiders, that’s really interesting… i’m learning something everyday!
the one thing is, PRY does intimidate me a bit because i like the uniformity of doing things with a group and going through the same motions – i don’t think i would enjoy the freeform movement idea much at all, but maybe it’s time for me to get out of my comfort zone?
29th June 2009 at 10:25 am
roseanne says:
This forthcoming book by scholar David White looks at the dark and “sinister” history of yoga practitioners: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/presssite/metadata.epl?mode=synopsis&bookkey=1531940 I’m looking forward to reading it!
And maybe it’s time to get out of your yoga comfort zone! I have the opposite feeling – I love free-form, spontaneous movement, to do what my body tells me instead of what the teacher tells me. But perhaps I could use a little more Bikram-esque uniformity in my practice…
29th June 2009 at 1:35 pm
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29th June 2009 at 4:31 am
Jiggly says:
that book looks intriguing – will you be joining the namaste book club? http://namastebookclub.blogspot.com/ – our first book is “the heart of yoga”. you should suggest that David White book for next time – it would be great to read together and hear various feedback.
29th June 2009 at 10:35 am
roseanne says:
I’m totally in that club! I love it, such a good idea. And will definitely suggest the David White book when it’s available later this year!
29th June 2009 at 12:14 pm
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29th June 2009 at 8:13 am
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29th June 2009 at 1:19 pm
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29th June 2009 at 8:42 am