Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that originated in 3300 BC but today it’s experiencing a boom in the black community, from Janelle Monae’s summer single to stars like Lebron James and Kerry Washington who credit it with improving physical strength and mental clarity. A black yoga community has sprouted up on Instagram, with dozens of men and women posting incredible photos of their journey to master various poses. Check out these 20 jaw-dropping photos and videos…
We’ve featured IG phenom Jess Tara before. Here the South Carolina beauty and creator of the #yogaafterdark movement does incredible poses with yoga instructor Derrick Townsel…
And on her own…
https://instagram.com/p/3SvO8ZPfkK/?taken-by=jesstaras
PintSizeNurse is based in New York and regularly wows her IG followers with poses like this…
Ke Ausha Jordan has been a yogi since April 2013.
https://instagram.com/p/3B8YfNPKdy/?taken-by=keaushaj
Unstable Muse is based in Atlanta and she often combines yoga with heels.
https://instagram.com/p/1TPTV8EwTL/?taken-by=unstable_muse
Esoteric Eunoia often includes quotes of poetry with pictures of her poses.
https://instagram.com/p/2P1Ob4r6SZ/?taken-by=esoteric_eunoia
Wonder Woman displays incredible strength.
https://instagram.com/p/1cI6_Rjzch/?taken-by=wonder_woman_o
We are astounded by IamReneeWatkins’ flexibility.
https://instagram.com/p/24mr7BgtBe/?taken-by=iamreneewatkins
Candice often posts yoga posts with her pooch by her side.
https://instagram.com/p/3aG7G2qokJ/?taken-by=yogineo
Hippie Heathen gets her kids in on the action.
There is a contingent of yoga Instagrammers dedicated to body positivity and crushing notions of what a yogi should look like. Here are some of their incredible photos…
Jessamyn practices aerial yoga.
https://instagram.com/p/xsQCQXEO‑E/?taken-by=mynameisjessamyn
Dana Sutherland is reppin the Caribbean. The Jamaican yogi is self taught since August 2014.
Phat Girl Yoga teaches classes in the NY/NJ area.
Um, so is this making anyone else want to bum rush the next yoga studio they see?! What are your thoughts ladies?
#blackgirlsrock
These pics are mostly vulgar. In addition some of these extreme poses can cause early arthritis and even the need for hip replacement surgery. The NY Times reported on it, so if you’re interested look it up.
Early arthritis? Lol
Before you judge — I’d check that out. I just did and found at least one of the articles I think she’s referring to. Not without some substance. Here’s the link:-
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/sunday-review/womens-flexibility-is-a-liability-in-yoga.html?_r=0
somebodies salty.… VULGAR!! A womans’ body is NOT vulgar.
I think she was referring to the sexualized nature of some of the pictures. Do you have to post a picture of yourself doing a yoga pose in a thong? What’s the point of showing off a pose in 5 inch stilettos?
Have to agree. I thought that detracted from the beauty of the pose and just made it look stripper-pole trashy. Sad but true. Some of the others are beautifully artful and classic.
I especially love the ones with the children, the couples pose and the one with the puppy is too cute. As someone who practices a little yoga, I can’t imagine it being comfortable wearing a thong (or necessary). ijs
These yoga moves are on point. We all know that yoga is big in India but how many of us know about ancient African yoga? so yoga originating from India is debateable.
@maralondon you are right. Actually ancient Khemetic/Egpyt started it: http://curtsoul.co.uk/i‑dont-accept-slavery-history/.
Also we created ancient martial arts, not the present day chinese.
Martial Arts too.
It’s so inspiring to see other black people doing yoga. I’m an inspiring yogi… and hopefully that will be me in the next 5years or so!!!! #Inspired
These pics are not vulgar, the person who made that statement probably can not get into these positions and is extremely jealous.