Yoga by the Numbers: 20 Fascinating Stats You Didn’t Know
Greetings, my lovely Yogis, Yoginis, and Yoga teachers. I’m George Watts, a BWY yoga teacher and creator of the online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.
Yoga has gained widespread popularity in recent years, with millions of people around the world practising this ancient form of exercise and relaxation. But did you know that there are many fascinating statistics and facts about yoga that you might not be aware of?
In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the most interesting data points and trends related to yoga, each represented by a number.
300 Million – Number of Yoga Practitioners Worldwide
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Yoga Alliance, there are over 300 million people practising yoga around the world. This represents a significant increase from just a few decades ago when yoga was primarily practised in India and other parts of Asia.
74% – Percentage of Female Yoga Practitioners
While yoga is practised by people of all genders, women are more likely to practice it than men. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 74% of yoga practitioners are female, compared to 26% who are male. This gender gap has been a topic of discussion in the yoga community, with some practitioners and teachers working to make yoga more inclusive and welcoming for men.
$100 Billion – Value of the Global Yoga Market
In 2020, the global yoga market was valued at over $100 billion, with revenue coming from a variety of sources including classes, retreats, workshops, and merchandise. This has led to a proliferation of yoga studios and teachers, as well as online platforms and apps like my online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.
5,000 Years – Age of Yoga
Yoga has been around for thousands of years, with the earliest known mention of yoga dating back to the Rigveda, an ancient Indian text that was written between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Yoga has evolved and adapted over the centuries, with different yoga styles and approaches emerging based on different cultural and philosophical contexts.
16.5 Million – Number of Americans Who Practice Yoga
Yoga has become increasingly popular in the United States, with an estimated 16.5 million Americans practising yoga in 2020, according to a study by the Yoga Journal. This represents a significant increase from just a few decades ago when yoga was a niche activity in the U.S.
21% – Percentage of Americans Who Have Tried Yoga
While 16.5 million Americans practice yoga regularly, an even larger percentage of the population has tried yoga at least once. According to the same study by the Yoga Journal, 21% of U.S. adults had tried yoga in the past year, up from 18% in 2012.
2.5 Hours – Recommended Minimum Amount of Weekly Yoga Practice
While any amount of yoga can be beneficial, experts recommend practising for at least 2.5 hours per week in order to experience the full range of benefits. This can be broken down into multiple sessions per week, or longer sessions on a less frequent basis.
90% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Also Practice Other Forms of Exercise
While yoga can be a great standalone form of exercise, many practitioners also incorporate other types of physical activity into their routines. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 90% of yoga practitioners also engage in other forms of exercise, such as running, weightlifting, or cycling.
30 – Number of Different Types of Yoga
There are many different styles and approaches to yoga, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some of the most popular types of yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, and Ashtanga, but there are dozens of other styles to choose from depending on your goals and preferences. I recently wrote a blog post called 17 Types Of Yoga: Which Yoga Teacher Training Is Best For You?
200 – Number of Hours to attain a Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
One of the most commonly cited statistics in the world of yoga is the 200-hour yoga teacher training certification. This is the minimum number of hours of training required by many yoga organizations in order to become a registered yoga teacher (RYT).
The 200-hour certification is a rigorous and comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of topics related to yoga, including anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy and ethics, teaching methodology, and more. The training is typically offered in a variety of formats, including intensive retreats, weekend workshops, or online courses.
While the 200-hour certification is not legally required to teach yoga in most places, it has become the industry standard for many yoga studios and organizations. This is because it provides a baseline level of knowledge and training for yoga teachers, ensuring that they have a strong foundation in the principles and practices of yoga.
In addition to the 200-hour certification, there are also higher levels of training available for yoga teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills. These include the 300-hour and 500-hour certifications, which offer more advanced training in areas such as sequencing, alignment, and yoga therapy.
57% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Also Meditate
While yoga is often associated with physical postures, meditation is also an important aspect of many yoga practices. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 57% of yoga practitioners also meditate regularly, with benefits such as stress reduction and increased mindfulness.
52% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Have Experienced a “Yoga High”
Many people report experiencing a feeling of euphoria or bliss during or after a yoga practice, sometimes referred to as a “yoga high.” According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 52% of yoga practitioners have experienced this sensation, which is thought to be caused by a combination of physical exertion, deep breathing (e.g. Alternate Nose Breath), and relaxation.
1 in 3 – Ratio of Americans Who Report Using Yoga for Health Reasons
Yoga is often used as a complementary or alternative therapy for a variety of health conditions. According to a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, 1 in 3 Americans who use complementary and alternative medicine report using yoga for health reasons, such as back pain, anxiety, or depression.
4.4 Million – Number of Yoga Videos on YouTube
YouTube has become a popular platform for sharing and watching yoga videos, with millions of videos available for free. As of 2021, there were over 4.4 million yoga-related videos on YouTube, covering a wide range of styles and levels.
90% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Believe Yoga Improves Mental Health
While yoga is often associated with physical fitness, many practitioners also report experiencing significant benefits for their mental health. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 90% of yoga practitioners believe that yoga improves their mental health, with benefits such as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
$52 – Average Cost of a Yoga Class in the United States
The cost of yoga classes can vary widely depending on the location, studio, and teacher. According to a survey by ClassPass, the average cost of a yoga class in the United States in 2021 was $52, with prices ranging from as low as $10 to as high as $250 or more.
30% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Practice Outdoors
While many people practice yoga in a studio or at home, practising outdoors can offer a unique set of benefits. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 30% of yoga practitioners practice yoga outside, with benefits such as fresh air, sunshine, and a closer connection to nature.
85% – Percentage of Yoga Practitioners Who Believe Yoga Can Help Heal Physical Injuries
Yoga is often recommended as a way to prevent or recover from physical injuries, and many practitioners report experiencing significant benefits in this area. According to the Yoga Alliance survey, 85% of yoga practitioners believe that yoga can help heal physical injuries, with benefits such as increased flexibility, strength, and mobility.
2nd – Ranking of Yoga as the Most Popular Complementary Health Approach in the United States
According to a survey by the National Institutes of Health, yoga is the second most popular complementary health approach in the United States, after natural products such as herbs and supplements. This reflects the growing interest in alternative and holistic approaches to health and wellness.
108 – Sacred Number in Yoga
The number 108 holds special significance in many yoga traditions, representing a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual practices. This number is often used in yoga practices, with 108 repetitions of mantras, sun salutations, or other sequences considered a sacred ritual.
85,000 – Number of Yoga Teachers In the USA
According to a 2019 report by the Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal, there are an estimated 85,000 registered yoga teachers (RYTs) in the United States alone. This number represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga as a form of exercise and stress relief.
Next up, is my conclusion.
George’s Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of yoga is full of fascinating statistics and facts that showcase the popularity and importance of this ancient practice in modern times.
From the increasing number of people practising yoga around the world to the many health benefits associated with regular practice, these statistics demonstrate the enduring appeal of yoga and its potential to transform lives.
Whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher or just starting out on your yoga journey, understanding these numbers can help you appreciate the scope and impact of yoga on a global scale. It’s clear that yoga is much more than just a physical exercise; it’s a holistic practice that can benefit both the mind and body and is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, student, or enthusiast, these numbers serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of yoga to promote health, wellness, and inner peace.
Hey, if you liked this post, you might like the post I wrote recently called 21 Yoga Poses For Your Spine: 101 Ways To Improve Spinal Health. Looking after your spine is a close second to improving sleep quality.
And oh yes, I almost forgot…
My free Yoga Pose Directory has over 3000 yoga poses.
If you like creating yoga class themes, you’ll want to look at my blog post 101 Perfect Poses For A Peak Pose-Themed Yoga Lesson Plan.
And if you want to streamline your yoga lesson planning process, check out my online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.
And while you’re here, you might as well get your hands on 37 of my free Yoga lesson plans.
Get Your Yogic Hands On 37 Of My Free Yoga Lesson Plans
Below are 37 free downloadable yoga lesson plans that I’ve created for my own yoga classes using the Online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner. Feel free to use them for your own yoga classes, or as inspiration to come up with your own yoga class themes.
Become A Peaceful Warrior Yoga Lesson Plan
Caterpillar To Butterfly Yoga Lesson Plan
How Heavy Is This Glass Of Water Yoga Lesson Plan
Surrender To Slowness Yoga Lesson Plan
You Don’t Need Permission To Shine: Just Show Up, Shine & Be Yourself
Abiciously Delicious Core Yoga Lesson Plan
Chair Yoga For Seniors Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations Chair Yoga Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations A Yoga Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations B Yoga Lesson Plan
Sun Salutations C Yoga Lesson Plan
Camel Peak Pose Yoga Lesson Plan
Downward Facing Dog Pose Variations Lesson Plan
Plank Peak Pose Yoga Lesson Plan
Revolved Poses Yoga Lesson Plan
Twists-Themed Yoga Lesson Plan: 41 Twist Poses To Whip Your Student’s Cores Into Shape
Yoga Therapy: Arthritic Spine Yoga Lesson Plan
Yoga Therapy: Asthma Yoga Lesson Plan
Yoga Therapy: Hips Yoga Lesson Plan
Yoga Therapy: Opening Upper Back, Neck & Shoulders Yoga Lesson Plan
Yoga Therapy: Restorative Yoga Lesson Plan
