Five Reasons Why Yoga is So Popular

According to statistics, 300 million people practice yoga around the world! A recent survey found an impressive 44% of yogis in the US practice yoga at least 2-3 times per week. With such compelling numbers, it is clear that yoga is popular. But why is yoga so popular? From a wide range of mental and physical benefits and much more, let’s explore what makes this five-thousand-year-old ancient practice so prevalent in modern times.

Here are five reasons why yoga is so popular:

ONE: The Physical Benefits

The physical benefits of yoga are vast and scientifically proven. One of the most popular physical benefits of yoga? Back pain management with regular practice. And with millions of Americans alone suffering from back pain each year, that’s a compelling reason to strike a pose! From increasing your flexibility and mobility (which in turn reduces the risk of injury and pain) to building full-body strength, endurance, and stability (to name just a few), practitioners can expect to experience physical benefits in their bodies with consistent practice.

TWO: The Mental Benefits

Just as a regular yoga practice strengthens the body, so too is the mind. Studies have shown that yoga can enhance self-awareness, sleep quality, reduce stress levels in the body, promote clarity, improve concentration, and even boost confidence. From a decrease in stress and anxiety to increased focus and presence, yoga is beneficial for everyone at any age.

THREE: Being Able to Practice Anywhere

There is no need for any equipment or special outfits; you can practically practice yoga anywhere at any time. Squeeze in ten minutes of post-run stretches, or practice some single-leg standing postures when standing in a long line or at the midpoint of your hiking trail. At the onset of the pandemic, involuntary gym and studio closures forced people to find other means to stay active. Online yoga class options spark a massive interest in people who usually would not step into a yoga studio. New yogis start to experience both the physical and mental benefits from the comfort of their home, and this is part of why yoga continues to gain popularity.

FOUR: The Abundance of Options Online 

From Instagram to YouTube, there’s certainly no shortage of yoga inspirations and options online. Curious to learn a specific pose or topic of yoga, plenty of snippets of yoga tutorials are available at your fingertips. Different yoga styles of full-length classes with various platforms and instructors offer everyone diverse experiences with some of the world’s best teachers. Whether you’re a brand new yogi looking for classes to explore or a seasoned practitioner looking to deepen your practice, the abundance of online yoga options allows anyone to discover the best yoga modalities and instructors beyond the local zip code.

FIVE: Yoga Teaches Important Life Skills

Besides the wide range of benefits that yoga has to offer, what we learn on the mat we carry with us into our daily lives. Yoga teaches us so much about ourselves, and one of its greatest gifts (among many) is teaching us presence and mindfulness. 

We learn to be mindful with our breath and bodies when we practice on the mat. This meditative quality of the practice helps us stay fully present emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As the yoga practice’s traction starts to take place, the real magic of yoga happens when we can take this state of mind off the mat with us into our daily lives. That’s when transformation can happen.

Yoga Is Popular for Good Reasons

The benefits of yoga are vast, and the reasons for starting – and maintaining – a regular yoga practice are abundant and compelling! Yoga’s popularity is undeniable, and while this article presents five great reasons why yoga is so prevalent, there are many more amazing benefits to this ancient mind-body-soul practice. Are you ready to step onto the mat and see the results for yourself? 

Namaste!

By Ashton August

December 2, 2020