Technology is reshaping the world of wellness. Back in the day, you only had access to a yoga instructor if you lived in a place near one or purchased a DVD (or showing our age – a VHS, gasp!) of that celebrity and her yogi and practiced alongside them in our living rooms, to the same video, day in and day out. But now, a Yoga YouTube channel has taken yoga at home to a bigger audience – the so-called YouTube yogis. These yogis can practice their yoga techniques whenever and wherever in the world they are.
There are tons of yoga gurus on YouTube, but one of the most popular these days is the charming Adriene Mishler whom her fans describe as “goofy and authentic”. If you search YouTube for “yoga”, she has six videos in the top spot.
Here’s more about Adriene and how she became a success:
“Yoga with Adriene” was the most googled workout in 2015. She won a 2016 Streamy Award in the Health and Wellness category, and in January 2018 Google searches for “Yoga with Adriene” reached an all-time high — spiking by 40 percent since November 2017.
“But she didn’t start out intending to be an internet sensation. When she was 19, she’d sub, teach kids’ classes, and lug around a jam box and burnt CDs all over her hometown of Austin — anything to teach yoga.
“She wouldn’t disclose her YouTube revenue, but according to analytics firm, SocialBade, Yoga with Adriene pulls in anywhere from $3,000 to $45,000 a month. (It’s a big range, but YouTube estimates are often like that due to complicated ad schemes.) That doesn’t include intake from her subscription video service, Adidas sponsorship, events, or merchandise. She’s currently writing a book about her relationship with yoga and planning her own yoga teacher training program.” via How Yoga with Adriene charmed all the YouTube yogis
On YouTube, you will find videos focusing on yoga and overall health and wellness … and the good thing is that they give an opportunity for people who don’t have the time or resources to learn from an expert. Adriene gives out her videos for free. It may not be comparable to going to an actual yoga clinic where you can get to experience the real thing, but at least, you will know how it works.
Andy Richter, a photographer and former ski patrolman who has devoted his time to deeply explore yoga, tells the New York Times that even if yoga has been co-opted and commodified, its greatest benefit is still priceless.
“None of this is bought or sold, what we’re talking about here,” he said. “None is even available for any cost. It requires us to slow down, to still our minds, and to find a way to get our senses under control.” via Contemplating Yoga Around the World
Adriene agrees that the benefits of yoga is priceless. Her main goal was to provide free at-home yoga for the masses during the time that classes cost between $15 and $20.” And it wasn’t easy either since she had to learn about the digital world as well, but she survived and now has a large following from all over the world … and her video library is full.
“Her library of under 30-minute videos is diverse, to say the least: There’s yoga for mornings, bedtime, teachers, depression, golfers, disasters, a broken heart. You name it, she’s probably got it.” via Contemplating Yoga Around the World
Here’s one of Adriene’s top videos. It combines yoga, breathing techniques, and affirmation.
Wherever you do yoga – whether at home using the Yoga YouTube channel we mentioned or in a yoga studio – its benefits won’t change. You just need to make sure that the yoga poses you’re doing won’t cause any injuries.
