Why yoga isn’t popular anymore: 6 reasons for the decline

Remember when yoga was everywhere?

Studios on every corner. Classes booked out. Friends swapping mat recommendations. Yoga wasn’t just a workout — it was a way of life.

I, for one, was completely seduced by it. I loved the athleticism, the mental clarity, the discipline. For a while, yoga was woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

But now? Finding a decent yoga class feels like searching for a rare artifact.

So, what happened?

🕉️ A Brief Look Back

Yoga has deep roots in India, with a long lineage of philosophical and spiritual teachings. One of the most influential figures in yoga history is Patañjali, the Indian sage who compiled the Yoga Sūtras — a foundational text in yogic philosophy.

Patañjali outlined the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a system that emphasizes not just physical postures, but also ethical living, breath control, concentration, and meditation. His work continues to influence yoga as we know it today — or, at least, how it was meant to be practiced.

🧩 So, Where Did It All Go?

Here are a few reasons I believe yoga has faded from the mainstream spotlight:

1. Market Saturation

During the 2000s and 2010s, yoga exploded in popularity — and with it came a flood of new studios, trainings, and teachers. But the rapid expansion outpaced actual demand.

Eventually, the market became oversaturated. Too many classes, not enough students. And in a flooded space, many talented teachers found themselves without stable work.

2. The Pandemic Fallout

COVID-19 hit the wellness industry hard. Studios closed, classes were cancelled, and social distancing made in-person yoga almost impossible.

Many independent studios simply couldn’t survive the financial strain. Countless teachers left the profession altogether. And in their absence, students turned to other options…

3. The Rise of Online Platforms

Online yoga boomed during lockdowns — with apps, YouTube, and Zoom classes offering affordable, convenient alternatives.

While digital access has its benefits, it also lacks the communal energy and personal connection of in-person practice. Still, for many, the shift stuck. Why pay $25 for a studio class when a free video is just a click away?

4. Commercialisation and Gimmicks

Somewhere along the way, authentic yoga got hijacked by marketing trends.

Studios chasing profits introduced gimmicky classes — from beer yoga to puppy yoga — diluting the spiritual depth of the practice. Many seasoned practitioners and teachers feel that yoga has been reduced to a lifestyle brand rather than a meaningful discipline.

5. Abuse and Trust Issues

The yoga community has also faced serious scandals, most notably involving Bikram Choudhury, who was accused of sexual misconduct and abuse.

Stories of inappropriate touch, power imbalances, and lack of consent have made many students wary. These issues have damaged trust and challenged the integrity of the practice in the public eye.

6. High Costs and Burnout for Teachers

Becoming a yoga teacher can cost thousands of dollars — and yet many newly certified instructors find themselves juggling multiple jobs, working inconsistent hours, and struggling with burnout.

Without sustainable income or institutional support, many teachers step away, unable to make it work long-term.

🙏 Yoga Is Not a Trend

It’s disheartening to see yoga fade like a passing TikTok challenge — especially given that its teachings are over 7,000 years old.

When practiced authentically, yoga is not a product. It’s a path. A philosophy. A system for physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation.

🌱 So… What Now?

Maybe this moment of quiet is exactly what the yoga world needs. A pause. A breath.

Perhaps it’s time to strip away the fluff, the trends, the filters — and return to the roots. To the breath. To the body. To the stillness.

Because while studios may close, and classes may change, yoga itself is not going anywhere.

It’s just waiting for us to show up again.

✨ Have your own thoughts on the state of yoga?

Maybe you’ve missed yoga – so why not check out one of my free online classes HERE

Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who misses yoga too.