(idea submitted by Judy K.)
In recent years the practice of Yoga has been sweeping through the Western World at an alarming rate. According to Yoga Journal, in 2008 about 16 million American’s spent nearly $6 billion on Yoga, double the amount spent three years prior, and the numbers keep growing. New studios have been popping up all over the globe, in Sydney, London, Tel Aviv, Austin, and anywhere else! Curiously, these studios are located in areas that have a highly Jewish population, which is understandable because Jewish Young Adults are massive fans.
According to recent reports in the Yoga Journal, there is a strong correlation between yoga practitioners in the Western World and JYAs: Both are highly educated, both upper middle class, both between the ages of 18 and 40, and both live in urban centers. But beyond the demographic similarities between yoga fans and JYAs, there are a few underlying motivating factors that draw in the JYAs
For female JYAs the motivation is clear: Yoga, specifically the more physical styles of Bikram, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga, is a great way to tone up those inner thighs and look good in LuluLemon attire without actually having to remove makeup or put their mani/pedi in danger.
For male JYAs, Yoga has a clear appeal: 75% of the class is sweaty females. Male JYAs have also been known to utilize Yoga outside of the studio as well, as in this recent interaction between two JYAs:
“Jessica”: You do yoga? That’s so cool.
“Andrew”: Yeah, I’m totally all spiritual ‘n shit.
“Jessica”: (coos audibly)
Whatever the reason, Yoga studios around the globe should give thanks to JYAs for supporting their cause, even if the JYAs have no connection at all to the extensive historical/spiritual background of the discipline.
Namaste bitches!
I currently live in rural Tennessee, where they don’t do yoga. They don’t even do yogurt! A JYA here would be considered a “smart-alecky Jewboy lawyer in his fancy car”. Lox is what’s on a toolshed, and a schmeer is what you do with chigger ointment!
Hey nice site very informative.
I’m new on this site, so tell others Jim. let’s get some kvetching going on.
I currently live in rural Tennessee, where they don’t do yoga. They don’t even do yogurt! A JYA here would be considered a “smart-alecky Jewboy lawyer in his fancy car”. Lox is what’s on a toolshed, and a schmeer is what you do with chigger ointment!wet wipes