Is it about the asana or the outfit?, Toronto Star, 5 August 2004:

I know I’m not the only one who thinks about how I look when I’m doing yoga. In fact, the whole issue can be a deterrent to someone interested in taking up the practice.

“I’ve been wanting to try yoga, but I’m not at my ideal body weight,” said my friend Wolfgang when we had brunch together on the weekend. “The last place I want to be seen is a yoga class right now.”

Wolfgang’s remarks reflect a common misconception about yoga; that it’s for beautiful people in beautiful clothes. And it’s really no wonder why the misconception exists.

Madonna makes constant mention in the media of her daily Ashtanga yoga practice, and uses her rock-hard body as evidence of its effectiveness. Advertising images for yoga wear often feature young, thin and perfectly groomed models. And yoga magazines are full of images for expensive clothing, accessories and even jewelry.

“Ask for what you want,” reads one ad in the most recent Yoga Journal. “Open to receive,” it continues, showing a sparkling pendant in the shape of the Sanskrit symbol for OM, believed by some to be the original sound that created the universe. “The OM Diamond Pendant. Brilliant diamond baguettes set in white gold. Made exclusively for you. Priced at $1,199 (U.S).”