# Flexible Army Men Toys Yoga Joes by Dan Abramson Fight Fitness Stereotypes By Meghan Young | Published 2014-09-30 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoga-joes References: [fastcompany](http://www.fastcompany.com/3036243/could-this-toy-persuade-military-men-to-do-yoga) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/241445217/yoga-joes-army-men-doing-yoga) [Yoga Joes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/embodiment) reinterpret the [classic green army men toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick) in order to break both military and yoga stereotypes. Although created more with the former in mind, Yoga Joes address the idea that it is a fitness routine made for vegetarian and flexible women in spandex. Yet it is an exercise that can have great benefits when it comes to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder suffered by active-duty military service members. Created by Dan Abramson, Yoga Joes are currently on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/namespace) and has raised over half of its $40,000 goal so far. He might say, “Mostly I thought it was funny," but others see this playful twist on a classic masculine toy as just the ticket to introduce the benefits of the practice to a wider audience. In the end, Yoga Joes will surely loosen people up to the idea of taking it up. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Reinterpreting Traditional Toys:** Yoga Joes reinterpret classic green army men to break stereotypes. - **Breaking Fitness Stereotypes:** Yoga Joes challenge the perception that yoga is only for flexible women in spandex. - **Addressing Mental Health:** Yoga Joes highlight the potential benefits of yoga in addressing PTSD in military service members. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can explore reimagining traditional toys to cater to evolving consumer perceptions and preferences. - **Fitness and Wellness:** The fitness industry can work on breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity in exercise practices. - **Mental Health Care:** Mental health professionals can study the potential use of yoga in treating PTSD and other mental health conditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gamified Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g-i-joe.md) - [Angry Customer Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/namespace.md) - [Gender-Neutral Stroller Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herotron.md) - [Scientifically Informed Yoga Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/les-mills-yoga.md) - [Pocket-Sized Stress-Relief Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yijoo.md) - [Colorful Fitness Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fit-kit.md) - [Aesthetically Pleasing Yoga Weights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helix-weights.md) - [Selfie-Based Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formlabs.md) - [Automotive-Inspired Yoga Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoga-capsule-collection.md)