Modern yoga is often viewed as a static, ancient monolith, but current practice is the result of significant historical shifts. During the 19th and 20th centuries, colonial influences and the rise of global physical culture transformed yoga from a diverse, teacher-student transmission into a standardized, fitness-oriented model. Recognizing this evolution explains why your local studio class follows its current format and helps you find instruction that aligns with your goals.

The shift toward standardization

Before the 20th century, yoga was primarily transmitted through individualized, lineage-based instruction. Students learned directly from a teacher, with practices tailored to their specific needs, temperament, and life stage. This changed as colonial rule and the global spread of physical culture introduced new priorities.

During this period, efforts to standardize yoga aimed to increase accessibility and align the practice with gymnastics and exercise movements popular in Europe and North America. This shift favored group settings, uniform sequences, and a focus on physical performance. While this standardization made yoga widely available, it often obscured the nuances of traditional, individualized practice.