Yoga, originating in ancient India, has evolved into a worldwide movement, deeply influencing health, culture, lifestyle, and even the economy across many countries.
In the United States, yoga has become a mainstream activity with over 36 million practitioners as of 2016, according to a Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance survey. Its popularity has spurred the commercialization of yoga through branded styles like Bikram and Power Yoga, and a booming market for yoga apparel and equipment.
In Europe, countries like Germany, the UK, and France have woven yoga into their cultural tapestry, adapting it to local preferences. European practices range from traditional Hatha and Ashtanga to modern hybrids such as AcroYoga and YogaDance.
Australia embraces yoga primarily as a fitness activity, appealing to a wide demographic from young professionals to seniors. Outdoor yoga sessions, often held in parks and on beaches, are particularly popular.
As we celebrate International Yoga Day, we spotlight five international yogis and yogapreneurs making significant contributions to the yoga community:
1. McKenna Rowe
McKenna Rowe discovered yoga as a child, inspired by Lilias Folan on PBS. With a background in hiking, running, snowboarding, and equestrian sports, McKenna transitioned from a digital industry career to becoming a yoga instructor. She founded Chakra 5 Yoga in East Hollywood, fostering a vibrant community and later transitioning to a mobile yoga model. McKenna, certified in Hatha/Kundalini yoga, also integrates her talents as a musician and composer into her classes. She currently offers on-site yoga sessions to businesses, schools, and organizations across Los Angeles and leads international retreats.
2. Jeff Krasno and Sean Hoess
Jeff Krasno and Sean Hoess, former music industry professionals, co-founded Wanderlust in 2009, a festival merging large-scale yoga retreats with arts festivals in inspiring natural settings. Initially launched in Squaw Valley, California, Wanderlust has expanded globally. In 2014, they introduced the 108 Events, combining running, guided meditation, and organic food, to make their brand more accessible to first-time participants, starting in Brooklyn and Atlanta.
3. Heidi Kristoffer
Based in NYC, Heidi Kristoffer is a prominent yogapreneur and creator of the CrossFlow Yoga app and CrossFlowX™. She has produced Microsoft Bing Fitness Yoga and MSN Yoga, and contributes to multiple wellness platforms. Known for making yoga accessible to all, Heidi’s accolades include being named one of America’s hottest trainers and one of the world’s most inspiring yoga teachers. A former award-winning actress and Cornell University alumna, she aims to spread happiness through yoga, inversions, and holistic living.
4. Elena Brower
Elena Brower, a yogini with over 16 years of experience, is the founder and co-owner of Virayoga in NYC. She is also a mother, mentor, poet, artist, and bestselling author. After graduating from Cornell University, Elena shifted from textile and apparel design to yoga and meditation. Her books “Art of Attention” and “Practice You” have achieved international success. Elena’s poetry is featured on Above & Beyond’s Flow State albums, and she supports various initiatives for girls, women, and children. In 2024, she will begin training in Buddhist chaplaincy.
5. Jason Crandell
Jason Crandell, renowned for his accessible and grounded teaching style, blends power yoga, anatomical precision, and mindfulness. Recognized as a leading figure shaping the future of yoga by Yoga Journal, Jason has been a prominent instructor at global conferences for over a decade. He is a sought-after teacher-trainer and a contributing editor to Yoga Journal Magazine, where he has authored over 25 articles. His approach to yoga supports practitioners and teachers in their journey of self-inquiry and growth.
These influential figures exemplify how yoga continues to thrive and evolve globally, impacting lives and communities in profound ways.
