New Study Exposes the Amazing Growth of Yoga in the US

It’s that time of year again when everyone is trying to be healthier, and resolutions or not, more Americans than ever before are turning to yoga. A recent study shows phenomenal growth of yoga in the US.

The number of people practicing yoga in America has increased by 16.6 million people since 2012, totaling more than 36 million people that now practice yoga in the US.

The Study That Examines the Growth of Yoga in the Us

This information comes from a study released by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance in early 2016.

In addition to the increased number of people practicing yoga, an incredible 34% of Americans reported they’d be willing to try it out this year. Many of the people already practicing yoga have reported benefits ranging from mental clarity, stress relief, physical endurance and strength, in addition to overall health and wellbeing.

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Communities also seem to be strengthened by these current practitioners of yoga. 79% of yogis report giving back to their communities, and for every current yoga instructor in the US, there are two people interested in becoming one.

The study also shows the diversity among practitioners. Yogis in America are comprised of 72% women and 28% men. 43% of yoga practitioners range in age from 30 to 49 years old; 38% are 50+ years old, and the remaining 19% are 18 to 29. 37% of practitioners have children younger than 18 years old that also practice yoga.

The Growth of Yoga Expands Beyond the Mat

Since 2012, yogis have increased spending on classes, accessories, clothing and equipment by $6 billion.

It seems yoga continues to be on the rise (YAY!!) and becoming more accessible to everyone. You can read the comprehensive study at yogajournal.com and also at yogaaliance.org.

While it comes as no surprise to most yogis that more and more people are discovering the incredible impact that yoga can have on their lives, it’s great news to hear that in a collective sense, yoga continues to gain traction in mainstream US society. We can all stand to benefit from a little more “Namaste” in our lives.

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The growth of yoga is astounding. When and why did you start practicing yoga? Let us know in the comments below.

Image: Wanderlust.com