118: Is It Yoga, Fitness, or Both? | Navigating the Politics of the Yoga Industry (Part 1)

In this first episode of our three-part series, Navigating the Politics of the Yoga Industry, Sunny and I dive into a question that has become increasingly relevant in today's yoga world:What's the difference between teaching yoga and teaching fitness?As yoga continues to blend with strength training, sculpt, Pilates, and other movement modalities, the lines can become blurry. We share our own journeys, one of us intentionally separating yoga from fitness, the other trying to integrate the two, and discuss how those experiences shaped our teaching.This isn't about deciding who's right or wrong. It's an honest conversation about how the changing landscape of the yoga industry influences teacher identity, student expectations, studio culture, and even our careers.Together we explore:Where yoga ends and fitness begins, or if that line even exists.Why student expectations can shape the classes we teach.How studio culture, capitalism, and class attendance influence teaching opportunities.The challenge of staying authentic while making a living as a yoga teacher.Questions every teacher can ask themselves about their own teaching path.We hope this conversation offers new perspectives and sparks thoughtful reflection.We'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. What resonated with you? Where do you stand on the conversation? Share your reflections with us, we're excited to continue the discussion.Connect with Sunny:YouTube: ⁠ @sunnysideyogalates ⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.healingwithsunny.org/⁠Instagram: ⁠@sunnysideyogalatesConnect with Reika: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethical Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use code: ALIGN300 for $300 off)