28 Yoga Statistics and Science-Based Facts for 2024
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Did you know that yoga is more than 3,000 years old? The reason for its popularity lies in its numerous health and spiritual benefits.
Yoga is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy or deal with depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.
We’re going to look at yoga statistics that show how big this industry is, talk about expenses, health benefits that it can bring, demographics, and more. Also, we’ll give you some handy advice throughout the article.
10 Most Fascinating Yoga Facts and Stats (Editor’s Choice)
- Over 53% of yoga practitioners smoke cigarettes
- In the US, Acro yoga is practiced the most (24%)
- An average yogi spends approximately $90 a month
- Private yoga sessions usually cost between $70 and $80
- 52% of female participants in an experiment said yoga helped them deal with PTSD
- Yoga demographics show that 28% of yoga practitioners are male
- In the US, 16.9% of people who do yoga are aged 18 to 24
- 18% of people would try hot yoga
- 55% of people identify as “aspirational yogis” in the US
Yoga Statistics for 2024 – The Latest Information
The coronavirus pandemic has had a vast influence on our mental health. If you feel the same, consider taking online yoga classes. Consistency is the most important thing about yoga. Therefore, don’t expect instant results.
Now, let’s see the newest yoga stats, facts, and trends.
1. Around 36 million Americans regularly practice yoga.
(Yoga Earth)
Yoga in America is surprisingly popular, given the fact that yoga originates from India. Statistics also show that approximately 300 million people in the world do yoga regularly.
2. 54% of people in the US do yoga to release tension.
(Finances Online)
According to yoga benefits statistics, more than half of the US population practice yoga to reduce tension. Apart from that, 52% of them use yoga to get mentally and physically stronger, and 42% to feel happier.
3. The yoga instructor hourly rate is $31.43.
(PT Pioneer)
A yoga instructor’s salary can vary by state. According to ZipRecruiter’s estimates, instructors in New York have the highest annual salary ($64,254), while those in North Carolina earn the least ($45,437 per year).
How to earn more as a yoga instructor:
- Get qualified and more experienced
- Follow the latest yoga trends
- Consider private clients
- Go corporate
- Approach resorts and hotels
- Hold yoga workshops and retreats
You can also host online yoga classes, start a Youtube channel, and even publish a book after some time.
4. 53.1% of yoga practitioners smoke cigarettes.
(Finances Online)
Yoga numbers point out that yoga practitioners are mostly smokers. Moreover, 72.1% of them reported that they occasionally consume alcohol. So, if you smoke or use vaping products, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do yoga.
5. 70% of yoga instructors would consider online yoga classes even after the pandemic.
(Jenni Rawlings Blog)
Jenni Rawlings, a yoga teacher, conducted an anonymous survey on online yoga classes. It turned out that around 90% of yoga teachers didn’t want to have online classes before the pandemic.
However, 70% of them said they would be fine with online classes after the global pandemic, in addition to the in-person meetings. It seems that online classes might be one of the new yoga trends.
6. Acro yoga is practiced the most in the US (24%).
(Compare Camp)
According to Statista’s data, Acro yoga is the most popular among Americans. Some other popular types are wellness yoga (24%), power yoga (17%), and Anusara yoga (14%).
Beginners should try various types of yoga. For example, Hatha yoga is much slower than Ashtanga yoga and may suit them more.
Interesting Yoga Industry Statistics
Like for almost every activity, you would need to buy equipment, like leggings or a yoga mat. Luckily, you don’t need to spend much money on it, even if some people do that.
In the statistics below, we will talk about the yoga industry, its growth, and how much people who do yoga spend on it.
7. The average yogi spends $62,640 over their lifetime.
(EventBrite)
All this money goes to classes, accessories, and workshops, and amounts to about $90 a month, and it seems that many yoga practitioners follow yoga fashion trends. Most yogis practice regularly, with 44% doing yoga 2-3 times a week (34% in the morning and 18% in the evening).
8. Only 8% of yoga practitioners would spend $100 on a memorable and unique yoga experience.
(Fox News)
Only the most devoted yogis would spend as much as $100 on a memorable yoga experience, while an average practitioner would spend around $40. Yoga statistics show that most people feel better when they leave a studio so they don’t think their money is wasted.
9. Private yoga sessions typically cost between $70 and $80.
(Thumb Tack)
Private yoga class rates differ, so customers should always find out what their rate includes. The first session usually lasts longer and it’s possible to book only one. The price depends on many factors, like location, the number of participants, and the length of every session.
10. The yoga industry is worth more than $88 billion.
(Wellness Creatives)
The yoga industry is growing and is expected to reach a shocking $215 billion by 2025. Also, statistics about yoga point out that the American yoga market has an annual growth rate of 9.8%
11. The number of employees in the yoga and pilates studio sector is 163.2 thousand.
(Statista)
The number of workers in this studio sector has been increasing steadily since 2011 when it was only 90.3 thousand. This data shows that the yoga industry is growing and that yoga trends have become more diverse.
12. Corporate yoga classes cost between $75 – $200, depending on the number of employees.
(The Yoga Nomads)
Corporate yoga is beneficial both for workers and yoga instructors. As yoga in the workplace statistics point out, yoga reduces stress and increases productivity. Additionally, yoga teachers can get valuable experience.
Tips on getting into corporate training as a yoga teacher:
- Leverage your network
- Look for jobs on job boards
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to your ideal companies directly.
13. The global yoga mat market is predicted to reach $2.6 billion by 2026.
(Market Watch)
One of the well-known yoga facts is that yoga mats are pretty much a necessity for all practitioners. That’s why the yoga mat market is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2020 to $2.6 billion in 2026.
Yoga Health Statistics – About the Benefits of Yoga
Apart from flexibility and physical well-being, yoga brings many positive changes to a person’s health and lifestyle. Numerous scientific facts about yoga prove that yoga decreases anxiety levels or helps people cope with ADHD, depression, and PTSD.
However, doing yoga in the wrong way can actually worsen your state. In this section, you will find some fascinating statistics about the benefits of practicing yoga.
14. Two months of Sudarshan Kriya yoga can reduce depression symptoms.
(Medical News Today)
A study showed that yoga helped people who hadn’t responded to antidepressants feel better. Statistics of yoga benefits show that yoga can reduce the level of cortisol in people’s bodies, and that’s why they felt relief.
15. A 12-week yoga course can increase the quality of life for people who struggle with ulcerative colitis.
(Medical News Today)
One of the interesting yoga facts is that taking a 12-week course (with one class per week) can help people with ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, it may even reduce colitis activity.
16. 87% of elderly yogis say yoga helps with back pain.
(The Telegraph, Healthline)
Older people struggle with back pain more frequently. However, most of them state that yoga has helped fight it and given them more mobility and flexibility.
If you struggle with back pain regardless of age, practicing yoga even ten minutes a day can help you understand your body better and realize where you have imbalances.
17. 52% of female participants in an experiment stated that yoga helped them fight PTSD.
(Healthline)
A study found that, out of 64 women with PTSD and severe anxiety, 52% no longer met the criteria for PTSD after practicing yoga once per week. Such facts about yoga prove how powerful yoga is.
18. Yogis over 40 who practice yoga for five years or more have lower blood pressure.
(Healthline)
Yoga and wellness can prevent many health-related issues that usually come with age. For example, many stats and facts about yoga and meditation point out that yoga can decrease cholesterol and even stop the progression of heart disease. For example, research shows meditation can lower blood pressure 80% of the time.
19. More than 40% of people who do yoga feel more motivated to eat healthier.
(NCBI, Healthline)
According to the research carried out by the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, it’s easier to lose weight, go vegetarian, or live a healthier lifestyle if you do yoga.
Those who want to lose weight should do yoga at least three to five times every week for at least an hour. Also, they should consider doing more active and intense practices.
Yoga Demographics – All About Yoga Practitioners
You should know more about yoga practitioners, either if you’re a teacher or just interested in yoga. Unfortunately, there are many myths about yogis that aren’t entirely accurate. For example, older people do yoga more than you think.
Let’s see what kind of people do yoga, how they do it, and why.
20. 72% of yoga practitioners are female.
(The Good Body)
Even though yoga applies to all people, yoga is more popular among women. However, many yoga statistics and demographics show that men are interested in yoga more than before. That should encourage males if they want to start with yoga.
21. People from Denver are over 50% more likely to read an article about yoga than those from Miami or Los Angeles.
(Priceonomics)
Yoga is the most popular sport in Vermont. Also, people from Western cities, like Portland, Denver, and Salt Lake City are at the top of the yoga lovers list in the US. Apart from that, the city with the highest interest in yoga pants is San Francisco.
22. 1.7 million children in the US do yoga.
(The Good Body)
Some facts about yoga for kids point out that many children start practicing yoga with their parents. Around 37% of yogis have kids who also practice yoga. Yoga classes for kids should last around 20 minutes.
23. 12% of practitioners in the US are advanced.
(EventBrite)
Only 12% of yogis are experienced and practice yoga for more than ten years. Most people who do yoga are absolute beginners (37%), while 22% are intermediate, and 27% are beginners.
24. 16.9% of all US yoga practitioners are aged 18 to 24.
(SFIA)
One of many yoga fun facts is that young people aren’t as interested in yoga as older people. The reason for this might be that yoga is too slow for them, or they don’t feel the need to work on their flexibility.
25. 23% of yogis are aged 30 to 39.
(Karma Soft)
It’s difficult to say which age group practices yoga the most. For example, 14 million of yogis are over 50, while those aged 40 to 49 make up 20% of all practitioners. On the other hand, 19% of young adults aged 18 to 29 are yogis.
Other Interesting Stats About Yoga
Most new trends are a part of a larger movement that focuses on health in a holistic way. Naturally, supplements have come into focus again, so many yogis take CBD products before practicing.
Other trends include broga (doing yoga with your male best friend), online yoga, roga (combining running and yoga), and HIIT yoga. Let’s look at some other interesting yoga tid-bits.
26. 18% of people want to try hot yoga.
(Book Retreats, Insider)
Hot yoga is performed in a very humid and warm studio. It’s an exciting thing to try, but it has its drawbacks. Hot yoga facts regarding dehydration and accidental overstretching shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Always do thorough research before you try a new yoga style.
27. Yoga injury rate is 10%.
(RunRepeat)
Yoga injuries statistics show that yoga is safer than most physically intense activities. Still, injuries might happen and all fitness-related activities bear a risk of injury.
Consider taking classes with a qualified teacher before you start practicing by yourself. Also, avoid problematic poses and use props, blocks, and other helpful accessories.
28. 55% of people in the US are “aspirational yogis”.
(Karma Soft)
One of the interesting and fun facts about yoga is the term “aspirational yogi”. It’s a person who would like to try yoga but doesn’t know where to start.
Yoga Statistics – The Final Word
Yoga has almost no drawbacks. Of course, injuries are possible, but they mostly happen if yoga isn’t done correctly. That’s why it’s essential to find a good instructor and experiment only with suitable yoga styles.
The world of yoga is vast and worth exploring. Also, don’t forget that yoga lowers cortisol levels and gives you flexibility.
Include yoga in your lifestyle and you will see long-lasting positive changes in your lifestyle and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many people practice yoga?
Around 300 million people in the world practice yoga and 36 million are from the US, as the demand for yoga has increased after the coronavirus outbreak. Yoga is a perfect way for people to cope with stress, especially during lockdowns.
A monk named Swami Vivekananda brought yoga to the US in the 1900s. However, it became very popular in the 1930s, when many celebrities and other notable figures showed interest in it. Among them were George Bernard Shaw, Charlie Chaplin, and Aldous Huxley.
Toggle Yoga isn’t only a weight-loss program, as many people see it. It’s also connected to raising one’s energy levels and being mindful. Moreover, it can help people with various mental and physical problems. Therefore, we can say that yoga is suitable for almost everyone and that’s why it’s popular.
What are the health benefits of yoga?
Yoga eases back pain, lowers blood pressure, increases flexibility and posture, reduces stress, alleviates depression and PTSD symptoms, and increases sleep quality. Yoga can even help people quit smoking. All in all, those who practice yoga are generally happier and healthier.
Is yoga scientifically proven?
Even though many studies have proven the beneficial effects of yoga, they have been conducted on a small number of people and aren’t completely reliable. Nevertheless, these experiments are enough to say that yoga is beneficial.
What age group does yoga the most?
It’s safe to say that people aged 30 to 49 years old practice yoga the most. Additionally, 50 million Americans who are 50 years or older do yoga. Young people are the least interested, as only 16% of people aged 18 to 24 practice it.
Where is yoga most popular in the world?
According to the data from Google Trends, yoga is the most popular in Canada, and the US is in fifth place. It’s also popular in Singapore, Australia, Ireland, India, and New Zealand. However, According to many yoga statistics, the best place to learn yoga is Thailand.
