There's at least one good reason that the most e-mailed story in the New York Times one day this week was Rebel Yoga, about a loosey-goosey style of yoga that offends purists and delights just about everyone else: rules are for rulers. The Times piece, by Lizette Alvarez, describes the very populr classes, videos and book, “Slim Calm Sexy†by Tara Stiles, a fashion model (never hurts) and instructor of yoga in her own non-intimidating fashion. That is to say, without the Oms and the spiritual dimensions that leave many people rolling their eyes, and not as part of the routine. The Times reports that in addition to running her New York studio  which draws about 150 people to 40 classes a week–, Stiles posts a short video most weeks to YouTube. Watch one below:
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
I read the article before seeing the video. Kudos to Ms. Stiles on her ability to promote as well as her lovely practice. But the excellent instructors I have worked with are not sticklers for “the rules” and are no less “rebellious” than Ms. Stiles. It’s a catchy tradename with an accomplished practitioner in back of it, nothing more. But good for her.
Of course, even animals do “yoga” without mantras, enlightenment, and rituals. I have to laugh at people who make fun of fundamentalist religion, but nonetheless, buy into far east crap that is just as “Looney Toons.” I suppose because it is more exotic. Stretching is good. Period.
I first started practicing yoga when I was twenty two years old… it is an ancient science that was brought to this country from India. There is a scientific approach to the way yoga is practiced…those include breath, service,humility,love of life, including all forms of life existent on this planet, and worship of God(non dimensional.) Jesus’ teaching are followed just as much as Krishnas’. It is so much more than just stretching and manipulating the body. Without the chanting, the meditation, the universal sounds, and the love of life, then you are not practicing yoga.Hatha yoga is just one aspect. It has been those other areas that have helped me stayed balanced throughout, being able to work two full time jobs, both involved in helping people who were in need. Leave to the Americans.