These vintage yoga photos will knock you off your mat

Yoga hasn't been popular in western culture for very long, but it isn't a new thing. In fact, the origins of yoga may date back to pre-vedic Indian traditions — the earliest accounts of yoga were recorded in 400 CE. 

In light of Throwback Thursday, I thought it would be fun to take a step back in time with some vintage photos of yoga in America ... not quite 400 CE vintage, but pretty cool nonetheless.

 

We have to kick off with Marilyn. Because, gorg.

In fact, she gets two.

Apparently this woman is getting an exam, not practicing child's pose. Child's pose seems much more relaxing than whatever this exam is ... erm ... examining. 

CC image courtesy of Sue Clark on Flickr

This does not look peaceful. Not one bit.

Children/students from the Raja Yoga Academy, sometime between 1897 and 1940 when the school closed. This is quite an interesting story about the Theosophist community in San Diego.

Billy Sunday (1862-1935) was a baseball player, famous evangelist and a fan of Warrior I. 

What is this "yoga"? Well, 1940, let me show you ...

Yoga was so "Vogue" in 1940. Also, "Vogue" was $0.35.

I don't think this is an intentional camel's pose demonstration.

Lion pose was just as awkward in the '60s as it is today.

You can still snag a copy of this book on Amazon, originally published in 1969.

As well as this groovy gem. I hope that cat models yoga poses. 

If you told me this 1970s photograph was taken today, I'd believe you. Beauty is timeless.

We couldn't forget you, 1980s.

Today, it's all about that Instagram selfie.

Want more juicy deets? Here are 5 fascinating facts about yoga's history in the U.S. on Huffington Post.