What is Rage Yoga?

Close your eyes. Picture the first thing that comes to mind when you think: yoga. Try not to drop your green juice mentally. Now, think of the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the word: rage. Then, merge the mental images. What do you get? The necessary contrast and genius behind the innovation of what we’d like to present to you as Rage Yoga.

For those of us who aren’t into the Bali retreating, Instagram quoting, light-chasing yoga stereotypes: there is rage yoga. Don’t get me wrong, all yoga is beneficial and contains countless benefits beyond recognition—but this type of yoga is what we could call something special — designed for those who don’t identify with the vibe behind traditional yoga.

The Origins

Created by yogi Lindsay Istace, Rage Yoga incorporates everything to love about traditional yoga, with a few special additions. It involves stretching, yoga poses, and risky humor. Oh, and did we mention—alcohol and cursing? Yes, swearing and booze are key feats of zen-ing it out at Rage Yoga.

Lindsay wants her fellow and potential yogis to know she felt out of place when attending standard yoga classes, specifically, that she felt she was “standing in a library fill of gymnasts.” She credits her practice to helping her with a scope of personal challenges, including addiction.

The Focus

Aside from the typical offerings of yoga, like better breathing, ease in meditation, flexibility, and ability to relax, Rage Yoga serves an alternate approach for those who find their peaceful center differently. She encourages a reimagining of the point: a place where people can show up as they are, and express themselves.

Lindsay opts to make Rage yogis feel like empowered badasses. The idea is to help people work through their struggles through loud music, sass, and a resilient rebellion to the contained, restrictive vibe that people usually expect when showing up on their mats.

But Should Rage be Caged?

The belief that this type of yoga can be therapeutic might sound awesome to some, and worrisome to others. But don’t take Lindsay’s word for it, there are even health benefits to swearing.

Though, despite evidence that cursing can be healthy, how it is utilized matters. There is a healthy threshold for expressing anger, but chronic cases should be dealt with within the realm of mental health counseling and evaluation.

Rage Yoga is somewhat like the black sheep of yoga and can be beneficial to those who want the benefits of yoga without the B.S.