The Why of Yoga: Yoga is popular, why?

Why has yoga become one of the world’s most popular practices—and what are people really searching for when they step onto a yoga mat?

For four years, yoga teacher, former studio owner, and Safe Yoga School founder Troy Cox interviewed teachers, students, and practitioners to understand why they began practicing, what they hoped to find, and what kept them returning.

The Why of Yoga explores the physical, emotional, personal, social, and spiritual motivations behind modern yoga. Through real-life stories, candid observations, and practical guidance, Troy looks beneath yoga’s polished public image to examine what people seek from the practice—and what they may actually encounter.

As Yogi Amrit Desai provocatively observed:

“Yoga is popular. What is popular is NOT Yoga.”

That statement raises one of the central questions of this book: when yoga becomes commercial, fashionable, and widely marketed, what is preserved—and what can be lost?

This book does not assume that every yoga class, teaching style, studio, or instructor is right for every person. It encourages readers to think carefully about safety, trust, intention, teacher training, group culture, and the environments in which yoga is taught.

Inside, readers will explore:

• Why people from very different backgrounds are drawn to yoga
• How yoga changed as it entered mainstream culture
• What beginners should consider before choosing a class or teacher
• Common misconceptions and potential pitfalls within modern yoga
• The difference between yoga as exercise, lifestyle, healing practice, and spiritual path
• Why the relationship between teacher and student matters
• How safety, trust, and personal intention shape the yoga experience
• How to recognize when a class or teaching environment may not be a good fit

The Why of Yoga is not a posture manual, a history textbook, or a promise that yoga is right for everyone. It is an honest exploration of yoga’s popularity, possibilities, contradictions, and the questions people should consider before placing their trust in a teacher or practice.

Whether you are considering your first class, developing an existing practice, returning after a difficult experience, or teaching others, this book offers a thoughtful and sometimes challenging look at the human reasons behind yoga’s worldwide appeal.

Troy brings the perspective of a longtime teacher, trainer, studio owner, and yoga school founder who has worked with students in commercial studios, private sessions, teacher trainings, fitness facilities, and community settings. His approach is grounded in the belief that not every cue, class, or method is appropriate for every body.

Diane Ross, author of Meditation for Miracles, praised Troy Cox’s authenticity and deep understanding of yoga.

This updated edition includes additional photographs and content, along with insights drawn from both commercial and private-practice yoga.

Before asking how to practice yoga, perhaps the first question should be: Why?

Former owner of the best yoga studio in Dana Point, Orange County California, a teacher since 2002 and yoga school owner, Troy Cox examines why to do and not do yoga every day. He is a meditation and yoga enthusiast for over twenty years, received his Master Yoga title world renowned and esteemed yoga legend, Yogicharia Amrit Desai. He has worked as a teacher and educator in physical fitness before becoming a master yoga instructor. He is certified through the Yoga Alliance as a 500 Hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and has received many certifications in physical fitness and personal training. He has recorded countless meditation CDs and YouTube videos and traveled teaching his T.E.C. technique all around the world. In his private Designer Yoga Teacher Training, he leads private one on one classes in meditation and yoga. Shanti Troy has helped thousands of students in yoga and meditation. He is available for speaking engagements and private sessions and can be reached at www.trainertroy.com Shanti Troy Cox is a Amrit Yoga Master Teacher and Yoga Nidra Certified Instructor. He was the founder of ‘Sun Salute Yoga Studio’ and ‘Designer Yoga Teacher Training’. He is a Registered 500 Hour ERYT, Yoga Alliance, Master Yoga teacher Amrit Institute. Shanti Troy is certified by Yogi Amrit Desai, Core Power Yoga, Yoga Fit, AFAA. He has been teaching yoga for over 13 years, studied meditation 20+ Years. Shanti Troy is the creator of the ‘T.E.C.’ Total Engagement Concept method. http://www.tecyoga.com He is a published article contributor. Shanti Troy developed and leads successful one on one ‘Authentic Yoga Teacher Training’ and is a leader of yoga retreats internationally. Master Teacher Troy Cox is the creator of the Total Engagement Concept™ system. The concept is a natural optimization of all systems of our being technique. It combines the deeper understandings of Yoga philosophy with Personal Training exercise. techniques and Yogic postures, martial arts concepts and movements, mental understanding of Yoga Nidra therapy unblocking the mind, and a detailed approach to structural alignment, with the training of the Amrit Method of meditation in motion, leads his students to a ‘fine tuning’ of all their facilities.