What kind of life can a person live when the mind is rigid and the body is stiff? Certainly not the kind of life we believe is the best life possible. Fortunately, there is a holistic practice called yoga that can strengthen and stretch the body and the mind and spirit.
If you haven’t really thought about yoga before, then these yoga statistics will definitely spark your interest. Keep on reading to find out more about this mind and body exercise with, believe it or not, a 5,000-year-old history.
Top Ten Yoga Statistics:
- The number of Americans practicing yoga grew by 50% between 2012-2016.
- 70% of yogis in the United States are women.
- 3 out of 4 Americans believe that yoga is good for overall well being.
- 75% of Americans who practice yoga also practice sports.
- 37% of American yogis have underage kids who also do yoga.
- 61% of Americans claim that they started yoga to improve flexibility.
- Currently, there are over 300 million yogis all around the world.
- Facts on global yoga demographics reveal that yoga has shown a 413% growth rate in Japan.
- Over the past 5 years, the yoga industry boom has increased by 87% in the US.
- The yoga industry revenue in the United States generated $11.56 billion in 2020.
Yoga Statistics in America
Pandemic brought us many challenges, one of them being spending free time at home. Many people started doing yoga to stay fit and stress-free. Let’s look into different 2022 yoga statistics on practitioners in American homes.
1. Currently, there are 36 million yogis in the US who are active.
(The Good Body)
Yoga is a popular holistic practice in the United States, and the numbers clearly reflect that. According to the facts, 1 in 3 Americans has attempted to do yoga at least one time.
2. In fact, the number of Americans practicing yoga grew by 50% between 2012-2016.
(Health Harvard)
According to a Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal survey, the number of US citizens practicing yoga had grown since 2012, when there were “only” 20.4 million yogis. Yoga facts also reveal that 1 out of 10 Americans has never heard of yoga.
3. 70% of yogis in the United States are women.
(Health Harvard)
Even though the majority of yogis in America are women, the stats reveal that the number of men practicing yoga has more than doubled. More precisely, the number went from “just” 4 million in 2012 to a whopping 10 million in 2016.
4. Facts about yoga reveal that the number of American yogis over the age of 50 has tripled since 2012.
(Health Harvard)
According to the facts, yoga is not only popular among the youth. In fact, the number of yogis over 50 was 14 million in 2016.
5. 3 out of 4 Americans believe that yoga is good for overall well being.
(Health Harvard)
Not only do Americans believe this, but medical science has got the facts to back it up. Overall, yoga has been shown to improve human health. Based on studies, yoga can help improve flexibility, cardiovascular health, and balance.
It also has the power to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress. Indeed, if you love yourself, there is no reason not to try out yoga.
6. 20% of Americans who do yoga have a positive picture of their mental and physical health, according to stats on the benefits of yoga.
(Health Harvard) (Kalimukti)
Furthermore, these Americans have better focus, better flexibility, strength, and physical fitness. Meditation and yoga are closely connected. According to Jon Lieff, M.D., Harvard Medical School Graduate, and psychologist, meditation affects the brain by increasing the number of neuronal connections and neurons in parts of the cortex, leading to better mental clarity.
7. 75% of Americans who practice yoga also practice sports.
(Health Harvard)
According to yoga health statistics, yogis are more physically active than non-yogis. Furthermore, it has been shown that people who do yoga take better care of the environment by living green and eating in a sustainable manner.
Based on a National Health Interview Survey results, yoga motivates 40% of people to eat a healthier diet.
8. 37% of American yogis have underage kids who also do yoga, according to facts on yoga practitioners.
(The Good Body)
Numerous yoga positions are great for children of all ages. These include the cat/cow pose, the bridge pose, the cobra pose, the downward-facing dog, and the happy baby pose.
9. 9.08 million is the number of Americans who practice Pilates, a system of exercises similar to yoga.
(Statista)
According to US statistics that analyzed citizens over the age of six, the number of people practicing Pilates had slightly dropped since 2006, when 10.93 million Americans were doing it.
One of Pilates and yoga’s key differences is that yoga focuses on the body’s flexibility, whereas Pilates focuses on relaxing tense muscles.
10. 56% of American yogis are beginners, according to yoga statistics in America.
(Yoga Alliance)
Feeling lonely as a beginner in the world of yoga? Based on the results of the Yoga in America Study from 2016, only 2% of yogis in the United States consider themselves more advanced practitioners.
11. 61% of Americans claim that they started yoga to improve flexibility.
(Yoga Alliance)
According to the Yoga in America Study from 2016, the second reason for starting yoga is stress relief, with 56% of Americans opting for it as the top reason. Furthermore, 49% reported wanting to improve general fitness.
12. Acro yoga and wellness yoga are the most popular types of yoga in America, with 24% of yogis practicing them.
(Statista)
According to the yoga population statistics, power yoga or yoga-Pilates is the third most popular type of yoga, with 17% practicing it, followed by Anusara yoga (14%), Bikram yoga (10%), and Hatha yoga (9%). A whopping 17% of yogis have no idea what type of yoga they are practicing.
13. Adriene Mishler from the United States runs the most popular yoga channel on Youtube, with more than 8 million subscribers.
(Finder)
According to Google, Mishler is the proud creator of the most searched workout of 2015, and she was even awarded the Streamy in Health and Wellness award in 2016.
The second most popular channel on Youtube belongs to Boho Beautiful, with 1.64 million subscribers, followed by SarahBethYoga (1.01 million) and KinoYoga (688,000).
Worldwide Yoga Demographics
Who does yoga? If you’re thinking about starting yoga yourself, it may be encouraging to know how many people out there are putting the same effort into it.
14. Currently, there are over 300 million yogis all around the world.
(The Case Centre)
According to the International Yoga Federation, the number of yogis on a global scale was 300 million in 2008. It is believed that the number of people practicing yoga has risen in popularity all over the world due to its benefits on the mind, body, and soul.
15. Yoga has shown a 413% growth rate in Japan, according to stats on yoga industry growth.
(Yogi Times)
Is yoga a growing trend? In the last 5 years, the Japanese have been taking yoga quite seriously. In fact, according to the International Yoga Federation, the United States comes in 4th place when talking about the growth of the yoga industry.
16. Around 3 million people in Germany practice yoga.
(Deutschland.de)
It seems as the popularity of yoga is booming in Europe as well. According to the stats, about 10 million Germans have tried yoga, while an additional 12.5 million could see themselves trying it within the next year.
17. There are more than 10,000 yoga teachers in the United Kingdom, according to yoga statistics for the UK.
(Finder)
Yoga is big in the UK; a yoga teacher’s average salary is £27.54 per hour or 36.11 USD. Currently, around 460,000 Brits are attending yoga classes every week.
18. Yoga statistics in Canada reveal that 21% of Canadians practice yoga.
(Leger)
According to the statistics, 1 in 5 Canadians takes part in this holistic practice, out of which 35% are between 18 and 34. Another interesting fact is that 16% of yogis are Quebecers.
Yoga Industry Statistics
Practicing yoga has been popular for some time now, so it’s only logical to attract business investors and created its own industry. Here is how much yoga equipment gets sold worldwide.
19. Over the past 5 years, the yoga industry boom has increased by 87% in the US.
(Yogi Times)
In fact, today, the yoga industry is the 4th fastest growing industry in the United States. According to experts, this trend is likely to increase even more in the future.
20. Yoga facts show that globally, the yoga industry is worth over $84 billion.
(Compare Camp)
According to global statistics, the yoga industry spending rose from $10 billion to a shocking $16 billion in just four years.
21. Yogis in the US spend a total of over $10 billion every year, according to the latest yoga trends.
(Yogi Times)
Yogis in the United States spend a lot of money on yoga classes, equipment, and yoga-related stuff such as DVDs, mats, and healthier food.
22. Yoga fashion trends reveal that the top-selling products on Amazon are yoga pants.
(Yogi Times)
Yoga pants come in all sizes and colors, and people love them. The most expensive yoga pants in the USA from 2015 were Lole Jasmit Leggings ($130), Sweaty Betty Om Yoga Pants ($120), and Lorna Jane Bootleg Pant ($99). As for the most popular yoga brand, according to Amazon, it was Lululemon.
23. The number of people who use a yoga-related hashtag on Instagram goes over 1 billion, according to new yoga trends.
(Yogi Times)
Instagram is an excellent example of how big the yoga industry is getting; according to these stats, the social media platform is a great viable marketing option in the industry of yoga.
24. In 2016, the yoga industry revenue in the United States was projected to generate $11.56 billion by 2020.
(Statista) (Compare Camp)
According to corporate yoga statistics between 2012-2020 on the revenue of the yoga industry in America, in 2012, the industry generated a revenue of $6.9 billion, while the number increased to $9.09 billion in 2015. Keep in mind that there are over 6,000 yoga studios in America alone.
Interesting Facts About Yoga
Yoga is a vast field. You’d be surprised to know how many kinds of yoga there are, or who are the famous people trying to become yogis. Discover this and a little more about the history of yoga in the following stats.
25. Jennifer Aniston prefers Hatha yoga and hot yoga.
(Yogi Times) (USMagazine) (Verywellfit)
Celebrities love yoga too! According to the star of Friends, Jennifer Aniston, Hatha yoga and hot yoga are the best. Hatha yoga involves the body, mind, and breath, and it focuses on breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga poses, or asanas.
On the flip side, according to hot yoga facts, this type of yoga is practiced under humid and hot conditions, resulting in a lot of sweating. George Clooney, on the other hand, prefers Bikram, while Madonna is more into Ashtanga.
26. Prenatal yoga is the most expensive yoga style.
(Yogi Times) (BMJ Open)
It is not difficult to understand why prenatal yoga costs an average of $31.30 for a single class in the United States: this style of yoga is meant for pregnant women trying to stay fit and relaxed and who want to prepare for labor in the best way possible.
Interestingly, according to prenatal yoga statistics in Australia, between 17% and 19% of women practice this type of yoga during pregnancy. On the other side of the spectrum, Ashtanga is the most affordable style, at an average of $9.39 per class in the US.
27. According to weird yoga trends, the latest craze in the industry is naked yoga!
(Yogi Times)(Mind Body Green)
Yes, it’s true, naked yoga is a thing, and more and more people are looking into it. According to some people, naked yoga is excellent because it leads to greater self-appreciation, self-acceptance, and confidence.
Another rising trend is “doga,” or yoga with your dog. “Doga” is not only good for humans but according to yoga benefits statistics, puppies can also feel calmer and more connected with their owners. We love it!
28. According to ancient yogis, the number of breaths we take is limited.
(Yogi Approved)(DoYouYoga)
Breathing techniques are extremely important in yoga. According to a spiritual teacher, Swami Sivananda,a yogi’sa yogi’s lifespan is not measured by the number of years, but by the number of breaths. Some even believe that if you breathe 15 times in a single minute, you will live up to 80 years.
29. The first book ever written was by a yogi, according to stats on yoga.
(Yogi Approved)
According to sources, it is believed that the oldest known text in the world is the Rig Veda, the first of the Vedas. The Rig Veda contains many Sanskrit mantras and hymns, and it dates back to around 1500 B.C.
30. The oldest yoga instructor in the world was Tao Porchon-Lynch who died at the age of 101.
(Oldest)
The late Tao Porchon-Lynch started practicing yoga when she was only eight years old. Similarly, other yoga teachers that have lived long lives include B.K.S. Iyengar (last known age: 95), V. Nanammal (Last known age: 99), and Ida Herbert (last known age: 100).
FAQ
What are the health benefits of yoga?
Yoga is an excellent holistic practice we recommend including into your daily routine, as it offers heaps of benefits for both the mind and the body. Some of the well-known physical benefits of yoga include:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Reduced insomnia
- Increased flexibility
- Improved energy, vitality, and respiration
- Increased muscle tone and strength
- Weight loss
- Balanced metabolism
- Better athletic performance
- Circulatory and cardio health
As for mental benefits, yoga is known for decreasing/managing stress and helping with the development of coping skills. Furthermore, it is a beneficial practice for people who want to attain a more positive outlook on life.
Scientific yoga facts reveal that other benefits on the human body include increased body awareness, reduced strain and inflammation, sharpened concentration and attention, and a central nervous system.
Who invented yoga?
As we know it in contemporary times, Yoga was invented by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, an Indian teacher of yoga, scholar, and ayurvedic healer. According to facts, he is considered one of the topmost influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. In his teachings, Krishnamacharya focused on the importance of postures, or asanas.
Other influential yoga teachers responsible for spreading the movement of modern yoga in India and the whole world include K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Indra Devi.
How many types of yoga are there?
Overall, there are 13 types of yoga. These include:
- Kundalini yoga
- Vinyasa yoga (flow yoga)
- Hatha yoga
- Ashtanga yoga
- Yin yoga
- Iyengar yoga
- Bikram yoga
- Power yoga
- Sivananda yoga
- Restorative yoga
- Prenatal yoga
- Aerial yoga (anti-gravity yoga)
- Acro yoga
Remember that each and every style of this practice has its own unique benefits, and you can encounter a blend of many types of yoga in one class. Also, keep in mind that there is no “right type” of yoga, and it all depends on your personal preferences and fitness goals.
Is yoga scientifically proven?
Yes, there is strong evidence that yoga is beneficial for the human mind and body. For instance, yoga decreases stress and relaxes the nervous system. According to multiple studies, yoga has been shown to decrease the secretion of the main stress hormone cortisol. One study analyzed 24 women who were emotionally distressed. After a yoga program that lasted three months, the women displayed lower levels of cortisol and were less tired and anxious.
Additionally, there is evidence that yoga helps in reducing inflammation in the body. According to yoga statistics from 2015 that analyzed 218 participants, the group that practiced yoga on a regular basis displayed lower levels of inflammatory markers than the group who didn’t practice yoga.
As for heart disease, this holistic practice has been shown to help slow the progression of it. Evidence for this was presented by a study that followed 113 patients with heart illness. After implementing yoga in their everyday routine, participants witnessed a 23% decrease in total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, yoga stats show that the progression of heart illness stopped in 47% of participants.
What are the negative effects of yoga?
Too much of anything can be harmful to your health. Even though countless people swear by the positive effects of yoga, there are some individuals who are not happy with the practice.
According to the results of a small survey published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 62% of respondents claimed that they experienced a musculoskeletal injury that lasted for over a month after practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.
Even though yoga is generally safe, statistics on yoga show that individuals with hypertension should be careful, as inversion asanas and forceful breathing can increase blood pressure. If you have a health condition, it’s always advisable to consult a medical professional before attempting a new form of exercise.
Conclusion
All in all, we believe that the rise in popularity of yoga probably represents a shift in attitude towards living that is more conscientious. These yoga statistics revealed that the practice is beneficial not only for physical health but also for psychological well being. Believe it or not, yoga therapy also helps the body recover from injury, disease, and illnesses.
We sincerely hope that our article has motivated you to try out this holistic practice and that you will start implementing it into your daily routine today. Have a beautiful, blessed day.