It's no surprise that, Russell Simmons' obsession aside, yoga isn't wildly popular in the black community. As Clutch magazine points out, a mixture of misperceptions among blacks and subtle bias among its mostly white and upscale adherents here in the U.S. might be to blame.
Yoga is simply a form of exercise meant to promote physical and mental wellness, and yet apparently people can't leave their racial baggage at the door when they enter the studio. Some blacks worry that yoga is a foreign religion that might interfere with their Christian beliefs, some whites are uncomfortable with taking classes led by black instructors … it's enough to make you want to roll up your mat and go home! I thought yoga was supposed to relieve stress!
Taking a cleansing breath … moving into a sun salutation … meanwhile, you can go ahead and read more about this at Clutch.
Sheryl Huggins Salomon is senior editor-at-large of The Root and a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based editorial consultant. Follow her on Twitter.