As September 2024 begins, the United States is once again celebrating National Yoga Awareness Month. This yearly event is a great chance to talk about the many benefits of yoga and inspire more people to make it part of their daily routine. With fresh data from theNational Health Interview Survey (NHIS) showing how yoga is becoming more popular and used in many ways, it’s the perfect time to discover how yoga can positively change your life.

The Rise of Yoga in America

The latest NHIS data reveals that yoga has become increasingly mainstream, with 16.9% of American adults practicing yoga in the past 12 months[1]. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating yoga’s continued growth as a popular form of exercise and wellness practice.

Who’s Practicing Yoga?

The survey uncovered some interesting demographic trends in yoga participation[1][2]:

• Gender Gap: Women are more than twice as likely as men to practice yoga, with 23.3% of women engaging in the practice compared to 10.3% of men.
• Age Matters: Younger adults are more likely to embrace yoga. The percentage of yoga practitioners decreases with age:
  • 21.3% of adults ages 18-44

• 14.1% of adults ages 45-64

• 8.0% of adults age 65 and older

• Racial and Ethnic Differences: Asian Americans lead the way in yoga participation:

• 22.5% of Asian non-Hispanic adults

• 19.3% of White non-Hispanic adults

• 15.7% of other and multiple races non-Hispanic adults

• 12.6% of Black non-Hispanic adults

• 10.5% of Hispanic adults

• Income Correlation: Higher income levels are associated with greater yoga participation:
  • 23.0% of adults with family incomes at 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or more
  • 14.0% of adults with family incomes 200% to less than 400% FPL

• 10.4% of adults with family incomes less than 200% FPL

These statistics paint a picture of yoga’s appeal across various segments of American society, while also highlighting areas where outreach and accessibility efforts could be focused to make yoga more inclusive.

The Many Faces of Yoga Practice

One of the most fascinating aspects of the NHIS data is the insight it provides into why people practice yoga and how they incorporate it into their lives. Let’s explore the different motivations and approaches to yoga practice among American adults.

Restoring Overall Health

A remarkable 80% of yoga practitioners report using yoga to restore their overall health[1]. This high percentage underscores yoga’s reputation as a holistic wellness practice that benefits both body and mind. Here’s how the numbers break down across different groups[1][3][4]:

• Age Differences:

• 83.3% of adults ages 45-64

• 79.1% of adults age 65 and older

• 78.4% of adults ages 18-44

• Interestingly, middle-aged adults are the most likely to use yoga for overall health restoration, suggesting that this age group may be particularly attuned to the preventive and restorative benefits of yoga.
• Racial and Ethnic Variations:

• 81.7% of White non-Hispanic adults

• 79.5% of other and multiple races non-Hispanic adults

• 76.7% of Black non-Hispanic adults

• 75.6% of Asian non-Hispanic adults

• 75.1% of Hispanic adults

• While the percentages are high across all groups, White adults are significantly more likely than Asian or Hispanic adults to practice yoga for overall health restoration.
• Income Levels:

• 80.5% of adults with family incomes at 400% FPL or more

• 80.2% of adults with family incomes less than 200% FPL

• 78.9% of adults with family incomes 200% to less than 400% FPL

• Interestingly, the use of yoga for overall health restoration is relatively consistent across income levels, suggesting that this benefit is recognized and valued regardless of economic status.

Meditation as Part of Yoga

Meditation is a key component of yoga practice for many Americans, with 57.4% of yoga practitioners incorporating meditation into their yoga routine[1]. This high percentage

highlights the growing recognition of meditation’s benefits and its natural synergy with yoga practice. Let’s break down the meditation trends[1][2]:

• Gender Difference:

• 59.3% of women

• 52.9% of men

• Women are more likely than men to include meditation in their yoga practice, mirroring the overall higher participation of women in yoga.
• Age Trends:

• 62.0% of adults ages 18-44

• 53.9% of adults ages 45-64

• 49.1% of adults age 65 and older

• Younger adults are more likely to incorporate meditation into their yoga practice, with the percentage decreasing with age.
• Racial and Ethnic Differences:

• 70.8% of other and multiple races non-Hispanic adults

• 70.7% of Black non-Hispanic adults

• 66.8% of Hispanic adults

• 56.7% of Asian non-Hispanic adults

• 54.0% of White non-Hispanic adults

• Interestingly, Black, Hispanic, and other/multiple races adults are significantly more likely to practice meditation as part of yoga compared to Asian and White adults.
• Income Variations:

• 65.3% of adults with family incomes less than 200% FPL

• 56.7% of adults with family incomes 200% to less than 400% FPL

• 55.7% of adults with family incomes at 400% FPL or more

• Lower-income adults are more likely to incorporate meditation into their yoga practice, which could reflect a greater need for stress reduction or a higher valuation of the mental health benefits of yoga among this group.

Yoga for Pain Management

Using yoga to treat or manage physical pain is a significant motivation for many practitioners, with 28.8% of yoga practitioners reporting this use[1][5]. This statistic underscores yoga’s potential as a complementary approach to pain management. Here’s how the use of yoga for pain varies across different groups[1]:

• Gender Difference:

• 31.8% of men

• 27.5% of women

• Interestingly, men are more likely than women to use yoga for pain management, despite their lower overall participation in yoga.
• Age Variations:

• 31.5% of adults ages 45-64

• 27.9% of adults ages 18-44

• 27.2% of adults age 65 and older

• Middle-aged adults are the most likely to use yoga for pain management, possibly reflecting the increased prevalence of chronic pain conditions in this age group.
• Racial and Ethnic Differences:

• 31.9% of Hispanic adults

• 30.0% of White non-Hispanic adults

• 26.0% of Black non-Hispanic adults

• 25.0% of other and multiple races non-Hispanic adults

• 21.1% of Asian non-Hispanic adults

• Hispanic and White adults are more likely to use yoga for pain management compared to other racial and ethnic groups, particularly Asian adults.
• Income Trends:

• 37.8% of adults with family incomes less than 200% FPL

• 32.8% of adults with family incomes 200% to less than 400% FPL

• 25.4% of adults with family incomes at 400% FPL or more

• There’s a clear trend of decreasing use of yoga for pain management as income increases. This could suggest that lower-income individuals may be using yoga as an accessible and cost-effective alternative to other forms of pain treatment.

The Benefits of Yoga: Why It Matters

The growing popularity of yoga in the United States is not just a fitness trend – it reflects a broader recognition of yoga’s numerous health benefits. Research suggests that regular yoga practice can lead to improved physical fitness and mental well-being[1]. Let’s exploresome of the key benefits that are driving more Americans to embrace yoga[1][6]:

Physical Health Benefits

1. Improved Flexibility and Balance: Yoga poses (asanas) work to stretch and strengthen muscles, leading to increased flexibility and better balance. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults in preventing falls and maintaining mobility.

• Enhanced Strength: Many yoga poses require supporting your body weight in new ways, including balancing on one leg or supporting yourself with your arms. This can lead to increased muscle strength and tone.
• Better Posture: The focus on body awareness and alignment in yoga can help improve posture, potentially alleviating back, neck, and other muscle and joint problems.
• Improved Respiratory Function: The emphasis on deep, controlled breathing in yoga can help improve lung capacity and overall respiratory function.
• Pain Management: As evidenced by the NHIS data, many people use yoga to manage pain. Yoga’s combination of gentle movement, stretching, and mindfulness can be effective in reducing chronic pain conditions.

Mental Health Benefits

1. Stress Reduction: The combination of physical movement, breathing exercises, and meditation in yoga can significantly reduce stress levels. This is likely one reason why so many practitioners use yoga to restore overall health.

• Improved Mood: Regular yoga practice has been associated with increased production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of happiness and well-being.
• Enhanced Mindfulness: The meditative aspects of yoga can help practitioners develop greater mindfulness, leading to improved focus and reduced anxiety.
• Better Sleep: Many people report improved sleep quality after beginning a regular yoga practice, likely due to its stress-reducing and relaxation-promoting effects.
• Increased Body Awareness: Yoga encourages a deep connection between mind and body, fostering greater body awareness and potentially leading to healthier lifestyle choices.

Yoga for All: Addressing Disparities in Practice

While the data shows that yoga is becoming increasingly popular, it also highlights some significant disparities in who is practicing yoga. National Yoga Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to address these disparities and promote greater accessibility and inclusivity in yoga practice.

Gender Gap

The significant difference in yoga participation between women (23.3%) and men (10.3%) suggests a need for outreach and education targeted specifically at men[1]. Some strategies to encourage more men to try yoga could include:

• Highlighting the strength-building and athletic performance benefits of yoga

• Offering male-focused or men-only yoga classes to help newcomers feel more comfortable
• Showcasing male yoga practitioners in marketing and media to challenge stereotypes about yoga being a “feminine” practice

Age Disparities

With yoga participation decreasing significantly with age, there’s a clear need for more yoga programs tailored to older adults. Some approaches could include:

• Developing and promoting gentle yoga classes specifically designed for seniors

• Educating older adults about the potential benefits of yoga for issues like balance, flexibility, and fall prevention
• Partnering with senior centers and retirement communities to offer on-site yoga classes

Racial and Ethnic Differences

The lower participation rates among Black and Hispanic adults compared to White and Asian adults suggest a need for greater outreach to these communities. Strategies could include:

• Offering yoga classes in diverse neighborhoods and community centers

• Developing culturally sensitive yoga programs that respect and incorporate diverse traditions
• Promoting and supporting yoga instructors from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds

Income-Based Disparities

The clear correlation between higher income and increased yoga participation highlights the need to make yoga more accessible to lower-income individuals. Some approaches could include:

• Offering free or low-cost community yoga classes in parks or public spaces

• Developing online yoga resources that can be accessed for free

• Partnering with community organizations to offer yoga programs in underserved areas

Yoga in the Digital Age: Adapting to New Realities

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital and remote fitness options, including online yoga classes. While the NHIS data doesn’t specifically address online yoga participation, it’s worth considering how digital platforms are shaping the future of yoga practice in America.

Benefits of Online Yoga

1. Accessibility: Online classes make yoga accessible to people who might not be able to attend in-person classes due to location, schedule conflicts, or mobility issues.
2. Privacy: For beginners who might feel self-conscious about trying yoga in a group setting, online classes offer a way to practice in the privacy of their own homes.
3. Flexibility: On-demand yoga classes allow practitioners to fit yoga into their schedules more easily, potentially increasing regular practice.
4. Variety: Online platforms often offer a wide range of yoga styles and instructors, allowing practitioners to explore different approaches to yoga.

Challenges of Online Yoga

1. Lack of Hands-On Adjustments: In-person classes allow instructors to provide physical adjustments to help students improve their form, which is not possible in online classes.
2. Technology Barriers: Some individuals, particularly older adults, may struggle with the technology required for online classes.

• Motivation: It can be harder to stay motivated and accountable when practicing alone at home rather than in a group setting.
• Space Limitations: Not everyone has enough space at home to practice yoga comfortably.

As we celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month 2024, it’s important to consider how we can leverage both in-person and online yoga offerings to make the practice as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Yoga in America

As we reflect on the current state of yoga practice in the United States, it’s clear that yoga has become an integral part of many Americans’ wellness routines. The high percentage of practitioners using yoga to restore overall health (80%) and incorporate meditation

(57.4%) suggests a growing recognition of yoga’s holistic benefits for both body and mind[1][2].

However, the data also highlights areas where there’s room for growth and improvement. The disparities in yoga participation based on gender, age, race/ethnicity, and income level present both challenges and opportunities for the yoga community.

As we look to the future, here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Inclusivity: Developing and promoting yoga programs that are welcoming and accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
2. Education: Increasing awareness about the diverse benefits of yoga, particularly its potential for pain management and overall health restoration.
3. Integration: Exploring ways to integrate yoga into healthcare, workplace wellness programs, and educational settings to reach a broader audience.
4. Innovation: Continuing to leverage technology to make yoga more accessible while also addressing the challenges of digital practice.
5. Research: Conducting further studies to better understand the long-term impacts of regular yoga practice on physical and mental health.

Conclusion: Embracing the Yoga Journey

As we celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month 2024, we have much to be excited about. The growing popularity of yoga in the United States reflects a broader shift towards holistic approaches to health and wellness. With 16.9% of American adults now practicing yoga, its benefits are reaching millions of people across the country[1][2].

However, the journey is far from over. The disparities highlighted in the NHIS data remind us that there’s still work to be done to make yoga truly accessible and inclusive for all Americans.

By addressing these challenges head-on, we can help ensure that the transformative benefits of yoga are available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Whether you’re a longtime practitioner or someone who’s curious about trying yoga for the first time, National Yoga Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to deepen your practice or take that first step on the mat. Remember, yoga is a personal journey, and there’s noone-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find a style and practice that resonates with you and supports your overall health and well-being.

So this September, why not roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and join millions of Americans in experiencing the transformative power of yoga? Your body and mind will thank you.

References:

• Products – Data Briefs – Number 501 – June 2024. 2024, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db501.htm.

‌[2] Zhang, Yan et al. “Increasing Trend of Yoga Practice Among U.S. Adults From 2002 to

2017.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 27,9 (2021):

778-785. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0506

• Khanal, Hari, and Uttam Khanal. “Benefits, barriers and determinants of practicing yoga: A cross sectional study from Kathmandu, Nepal.” Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine vol. 12,1 (2021): 102-106. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.007

• Akdeniz, Şengül, and Özlem Kaştan. “Perceived benefit of yoga among adults who have practiced yoga for a long time: a qualitative study.” BioPsychoSocial medicine vol. 17,1 19. 15 May. 2023, doi:10.1186/s13030-023-00276-3

• Crevelário de Melo, Roberta et al. “Effectiveness and safety of yoga to treat chronic and acute pain: a rapid review of systematic reviews.” BMJ Open vol. 11,12 e048536. 30 Dec. 2021, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048536

• Woodyard, Catherine. “Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life.” International journal of yoga vol. 4,2 (2011): 49-54. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.85485