Why Yoga Is Surging in Popularity: Key Stats and Real Reasons

Is yoga's rise due to lockdowns alone, or something more? Backed by recent studies, here's why it's becoming a wellness staple worldwide.

More Women Are Embracing Yoga

A study by Yoga Magazine reveals that 13 percent of Dutch women now practice yoga—twice as many as three years ago. Overall, 40 percent of women have tried a yoga class at some point.

Surging Investments in Yoga Events

Eventbrite, a leading platform for event tickets, tracks the boom: yoga events grew from 3,000 in 2014 to 40,000 just four years later.

Top Reasons People Practice Yoga

• To relax (54 percent)
• To become physically and mentally stronger (52 percent)
• To de-stress (51 percent)
• To become happier (43 percent)
• As a workout (41 percent)
• To break free from technology (such as the smartphone) (20 percent)

Main Barriers to Starting Yoga

According to Yoga Magazine

• Yoga is not for me (33 percent)
• Yoga is too floaty (30 percent)
• I do other sports (23 percent)
• I am not flexible enough (16 percent)

Don't skip yoga due to inflexibility or inexperience—you don't need to be flexible to start. Try a trial lesson, including free online options on popular platforms.

Essentials to Get Started

1. A yoga mat

2. Sports leggings

3. A yoga top

4. A free online yoga class for beginners