Tara Stiles tests the so-called open-mindedness of traditional yogis
If there’s a topic in the yogasphere that can cause a yogi conniption fit, it’s Tara Stiles, and the New York City teacher’s secular style of Slim, Calm, Sexy yoga.
In an article in today’s New York Times, Lizette Alvarez calls Stiles a “rebel” in the yoga world, because the former model and founder of Strala yoga studio, forgoes yoga’s spiritual philosophy. Instead her path bends toward inclusion and accessibility.
You won’t hear any Sanskrit during her classes; she’s more athletic than ascetic. Stiles’ non-denominational yoga-fitness studio and brand woos New Yorkers, Youtube viewers, and gym-goers, creating an om-free space that appeals to thousands—and Deepak Chopra, whom she teaches.
Fans of Stiles argue that with her free yoga videos and $10 classes, she’s an incredibly generous yogi, and is “doing more for yoga than some of New York’s holier than thou teachers.”
However, her traditional peers don’t see it this way. Those who’ve made a serious study and practice of self-improvement and spiritual growth through yoga lambast her more factual, anatomical approach. They also roll their third eye at her use of cutesy, more commercial language, like Yoga for a Hangover and Couch Yoga (pictured).
Clearly, there’s something about Stiles that challenges traditional yogis—whether to accept she’s doing something different, to practice being non-judgmental, or to be at peace with their dissenting option.
Which camp do you fall into? Tell us in the Comments area, below!
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I practiced Hatha Yoga a bit as a kid, many decades ago, but recently took a beginner’s class at a gym to which I had a guest pass.
It’s a shame that Stiles feels the need to dumb things down — learning the Sanskrit names of the postures was part of the charm of the class. Who made the rules?, Stiles asks in the article. Haven’t people been doing this for thousands of years (with some evolution, of course)?
I also agree with one of the people quoted that the primary purpose of Yoga is not about looking good, although some people who practice it are naturally good looking.
Still, at $10 a class I may look into this studio, at least until I find a new gym or a yoga studio in my neighborhood.
As someone who is somewhat unsettled by the “spiritual” side of yoga, I like Stiles’ idea. I enjoy the poses of yoga, the feeling of pushing myself and strengthening my body, but I don’t want it to encroach on my spriritual life, which has no place for the philosophies behind the movement. It seems like a good idea to me, and I would love to give her class a try!
Actually, in the places I have lived she would be the norm, not the exception. I lived in Raliegh, NC and now I’m in Louisiana. I enjoy and look for yoga classes that include the spiritual aspects, and they are very hard to find. The teachers are apparently scared they will put people off in the conservative South. So, for me, this article seems kind of absurd. I also find it hard to believe that all of the many, many yoga teachers in New York are concerned about what this woman is doing.
Mindy, this is such an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing.
So just don’t call it Yoga…Maybe..Yoga inspired strength training? Because Yoga is so much more than just Asanas.
I’m a yoga teacher and am confused why Stiles is seen as a rebel? Gyms and some studios all over this city take the same approach. Many studios don’t push any philosophy other than encouraging awareness of one’s mind and body. I’ve never heard of her till the article but it seems NY Mag is paying attention because she is former model and some celebs like her. I respect her for doing the thing that she is comfortable with but I don’t see it as unique. Also, who are these yogis who are so up in arms besides the one woman they quote? I think NY Mag just likes drama.
I took a Strala class this am and I really enjoyed it. Not sure what the negative commotion is all about. I look to yoga for a good and vigorous stretch, want someone to guide me through a peaceful set of poses, and come away feeling relaxed, refreshed and renewed. This class did that and more. I think the pundits should lighten up a little.
[...] deal with emotional trauma in their lives), it’s getting new attention in the wellness world. Tara Stiles’ down-to-earth Strala Yoga hosted a screening of the film just this past weekend.“The vast [...]
[...] March 7, 2012My Five Beauty Obsessions: Tara StilesLast year, The New York Times dubbed Tara Stiles the “Yoga Rebel.”And Stiles, who is a former model and the founder-owner of Strala Yoga in Noho, is kind of a rebel [...]
[...] came together for a night of yogic discussion at the Apple store in Soho.Slim Calm Sexy author and celebrity yoga teacher Tara Stiles and William J. Broad, senior science journalist at the New York Times, sat down with Mind Body [...]
[...] Everyone’s favorite “yoga rebel,” Tara Stiles, is launching her own line of yoga clothes for Reebok in 2013, and she wants your help designing it now. [...]
[...] The result is a 23-piece debut yoga collection made with baby-soft fabrics and loose, flowing cuts. Tanks are $35, pants are $55, and hoodies are $60. The centerpiece of the line is a tank that carries the slogan “Who made the rules,” a phrase plucked from Stiles’s Twitter stream that seemed to capture her oft-cited “rebel” approach to yoga. [...]