Like all fitness trends, it seem yoga’s popularity in the U.S. would burn out pretty quickly. Yet it keeps growing, even in just the past four years. Some key findings from a new survey conducted by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal:

• The number of Americans practicing yoga has increased by more than 50%, from 20.4 million in 2012 to 36 million in 2016.
• A third of all Americans have tried yoga at least once.
• More than 15% of Americans have practiced yoga in the last six months
• Only 10% of respondents had not heard of yoga.
• Women make up 70% of the population that practices yoga.
• The number of men who practice yoga has more than doubled in the past four years, from 4 million in 2012 to 10 million in 2016.
• 15 million adults 50 and older now practice yoga, which is triple the number in 2012.
• Three out of four Americans agree with the statement “yoga is good for you.”

Yoga’s perceived health benefits are supported by science. Studies show it can improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and balance, and reduce pain, anxiety, and stress. Yoga can also increase quality of life, improving people’s positive outlook on their own physical and mental health, mental clarity, physical fitness, strength, and, of course, flexibility.

With so many health benefits, it’s interesting to consider why some people are reluctant to attend a class. According to the survey, the primary reason is that people tend to see yoga as “exclusive” and intend for young women or those who are already flexible, athletic, or spiritual. Many yoga teachers try to dispel these myths in class, but a person won’t hear those teachings if they never attend a class in the first place. If you’ve considered yoga, but are reluctant to attend, look for a studio with a class specifically intended for beginners. Such classes are often offered as part of a discounted multi-class package. If there are no into classes near you, check for gentle yoga classes. Gentle classes are often a great blend between light physical activity and relaxation without the competitive nature that sometimes rears up in more strenuous classes.

REFERENCE

Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance (2016). The 2016 Yoga in America Study. Retrieved March 11, 2016 from https://www.yogaalliance.org/Portals/0/2016%20Yoga%20in%20America%20Study%20RESULTS.pdf. 

Wei, M. (6 March 2016). New survey reveals the rapid rise of yoga — and why some people still haven’t tried it. Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved March 11, 2016 from http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-survey-rev...

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