YOGA HAS MANY positive effects on our physical and mental health, from improving our posture and alleviating back pain, to promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. Therefore, according to the latest yoga statistics, it’s no wonder that this 5000-year-old practice has gained in popularity in the last few years. Long story short, we’ll let the numbers speak for themselves.
Most of these statistics are based on the growth of yoga in the United States, but are also being seen throughout the Western world, and beyond.
- According to Forbes magazine, some 37 million people are practicing yoga in the U.S.
- The figure is up from 20 million three years ago, which means yoga has nearly doubled in just a few years.
- 28% of Americans have tried yoga. One out of ten people is practicing yoga.
- 56% of U.S. yogis are beginners, only 2% are advanced yoga practitioners.
- It was forecast that over 55 million people would practice yoga by 2030.
- Women account for 72% of yoga practitioners.
- The number of men practicing yoga increased by 150% per cent in 4 years.
- 14 million people doing yoga are over the age of 50.
- 23% of yoga practitioners are 30–39 years old.
- About 44% of yoga practitioners practice yoga 2–3 times a week.
- 65% of U.S. yogis practice yoga at home.
- Home is the most popular place for yoga, followed by gyms (48%) and yoga studios (45%).
- A staggering 89% of U.S. yogis practice yoga 1–5 hours a day on average.
- 87% of people feel better after a yoga class.
- A vast majority of yoga practitioners (94%) do yoga for wellness-related reasons.
- 40% of U.S. yogis eat healthily because of yoga.
- A whopping 87% of elderly yogis said that yoga helped them with back pain.
- 54% of U.S. yogis do yoga because it helps them release tension.
- 59% of U.S. yoga practitioners believe that yoga helps them sleep better.
- Yoga worsened 21% of existing injuries.
- Yoga carries a lower risk of injuries compared to other physical activities.
- In over a third of cases, pain that was caused by yoga lasted more than three months.
- The highest injury rate is for people aged 65 and older.
- Americans spend $16 billion on yoga classes, equipment, clothing, and accessories a year.
- An average yoga practitioner spends almost $90 a month on yoga.
- Popular yoga clothing brand Lululemon reported 3rd quarter 2021 earnings of $1.16 per share.
- Interesting facts about yoga: 20% of yogis want to try laughter yoga.
- In 2015, the yoga industry’s U.S. revenue was $9.09 billion and was forecast to reach nearly $12 billion by 2020.
- Three hundred million people do yoga all over the world.
- In Japan, the growth rate of yoga was 413% in five years.
The Bottom Line
Practicing yoga has a range of health benefits. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that an increasing number of people are doing yoga in all parts of the world. Although the yoga statistics in 2021 show that women are more involved in this ancient practice than men, yoga is suitable for both genders and ages.
However, like all other physical activities, yoga can lead to injuries, so it’s best to consult your physician before going to your first yoga class. What’s more, always look for a certified instructor.
