Stretchy Strategy: For Corporate Workers, Is Yoga the New Golf?

  • Share
  • Read Later
Sung-Il Kim / Corbis

Talk about being more flexible in the workplace.

The latest corporate bonding trend doesn’t require golf clubs, alcohol or awkwardly forced conversation. Instead of these schmoozing staples, employees in New York City have been hitting the yoga mat to connect with their colleagues and supervisors — and get a leg up on their careers.

(More on TIME.com: What’s the deal with baby yoga?)

While sweating in your skivvies next to your boss may not seem like a way to get ahead, corporate consultant Amy Hedin told the New York Post that more and more of her clients have been downward-dogging their way into the corner office. “An executive might use golf as an icebreaker with a potential or existing client; it’s really more about drinking and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere — but yoga makes more sense for an executive seeking to take a pre-existing relationship to the next level,” Hedin said.

NewsFeed can understand the appeal: Yoga has been shown to increase both your mental and physical strength, improve your focus and elevate your mood. But we’re not quite sold that a solid Warrior will convince your boss to let you lead the charge on the next big project.

Then again, our sun salutation is pretty impressive. (via New York Post)

(More on TIME.com: Stretching, Star Wars Yoga-Style)