Yoga Demographics in America

The practice of yoga has grown significantly in the United States, reflecting a diverse demographic landscape. This article explores the demographics of yoga practitioners, teachers, and studio owners, as well as the factors influencing the popularity of yoga in America.

Yoga was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century, gaining initial traction through lectures and demonstrations by visiting Indian yogis. The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant surge in popularity, driven by the counterculture movement and increased interest in alternative health practices.

From 2016 to 2022, the number of yoga practitioners in the U.S. grew by 4.6%, a notable increase compared to the overall population growth of 2.7% during the same period.

Demographic Breakdown of Yoga Practitioners

How Many Americans Practice Yoga?

• In 2022, 38.4 million Americans practiced yoga.
• In 2016, 36.7 million Americans practiced yoga.
• This represents a growth of 4.6% from 2016 to 2022.
• In 2012, 20.4 million Americans practiced yoga.
• 28% of all Americans have participated in a yoga class at some point in their lives.

What is the Gender Distribution of Yoga Practitioners?

• 72% of yoga practitioners in America are female.
• 28% of yoga practitioners in America are male.
• Between 2012 and 2016 men practicing yoga went from 4 million to 10 million (150% increase in 4 years)

What is the Age Distribution of Yoga Practitioners?

• Yoga practitioners include all age groups:
• 18-29 years old: 19%
• 30-39 years old: 23%
• 40-49 years old: 20%
• 50-59 years old: 17%
• 60+ years old: 21%
• The average age of yoga practitioners in America is 39 years old.
• The average age of yoga studio owners in America is 36 years old.
• The average age of yoga teachers in America is 35 years old.

What is the Racial/Ethnic Distribution of Yoga Practitioners?

• White: 77%
• Hispanic: 8%
• Black: 6%
• Asian: 5%
• Other: 4%

Yoga Practice Frequency

How Frequently Do Yoga Practitioners Practice?

• 59% of yoga practitioners practice at least once a week.
• 6% practice five or more times a week.
• 31% practice two to four times a week.
• 22% practice once per week.

How Long Have People Been Practicing Yoga?

• 74% of yoga practitioners have been practicing for less than five years.
• 30% have been practicing for 0-1 years.
• 44% have been practicing for 1-5 years.

What Prevents People from Practicing Yoga?

• The top barrier is lack of time.
• Cost is also a significant barrier.
• Some people do not know how to get started with yoga.

What Motivates People to Start Practicing Yoga?

• Stress Relief: 51%
• Flexibility: 46%
• Improve Overall Health: 45%
• General Fitness and Conditioning: 34%
• Personal Development: 29%
• Spiritual Development: 27%
• Weight Loss: 25%
• Physical Therapy: 24%

Learn more about what motivates people to start yoga.

Who Encourages People to Start Practicing Yoga?

• A friend is a common encouragement for starting yoga.
• 49% of practitioners had yoga recommended by a medical doctor or health professional.

Economic Impact of Yoga

How Much Money is Spent on Yoga?

• In 2022, yoga practitioners spent over $21 billion on yoga in the United States.
• 31.5% increase over 6 years (2016 - 2022)
• In 2016, yoga practitioners spent over $16 billion on yoga clothing, equipment, classes, and accessories.
• 60% increase over 4 years (2012 - 2016)
• In 2012, yoga practitioners spent over $10 billion on yoga clothing, equipment, classes, and accessories.

What Do Yoga Practitioners Spend Money On?

• Yoga classes and instruction
• Yoga clothing
• Yoga equipment (mats, straps, etc.)
• Yoga accessories (oils, crystals, jewelry, etc.)

How Much Do Yoga Practitioners Spend on Yoga-Related Products?

• Practitioners spent over $5.8 billion on yoga classes in 2016.
• Practitioners spent over $4.6 billion on yoga clothing in 2016.
• Practitioners spent over $3.6 billion on yoga equipment in 2016.
• Practitioners spent over $2.8 billion on yoga accessories in 2016.

What Are the Top Items Practitioners Spend Money On?

• Yoga classes and instruction
• Yoga clothing
• Yoga equipment (mats, straps, etc.)
• Yoga accessories (oils, crystals, jewelry, etc.)

Yoga Practitioner Background

What is the Level of Education Among Yoga Practitioners?

• 47% of yoga practitioners have at least a college degree.
• 83% of yoga teachers and studio owners have at least a college degree.

What is the Profile of Yoga Teachers and Studio Owners?

• The average age of yoga teachers in America is 35 years old.
• The average age of yoga studio owners in America is 36 years old.
• 83% of yoga teachers and studio owners have at least a college degree.

What Benefits Do People Experience from Yoga?

• 86% of practitioners report having a strong sense of mental clarity.
• 80% of practitioners report having good balance.
• 75% of practitioners report being physically strong.
• 79% of practitioners give back to the community.
• Nearly half of all practitioners report donating time in their community.

Where in the United States Do People Practice Yoga the Most?

• Northeast: 23%
• Midwest: 23%
• South: 32%
• West: 22%

Benefits Yoga Practitioners Report From Yoga

What are the mental and emotional health benefits of yoga?

• 86% experience reduced stress.
• 69% notice an improvement in mood and temperament.
• 63% find yoga mentally motivates them to exercise more.
• 59% see better quality and quantity of sleep.
• 86% feel an overall enhanced sense of mental wellness and clarity.
• 28% observe a reduction in depression symptoms.
• 79% feel a stronger connection to their community and a desire to give back.

What are the physical health benefits of yoga?

• 77% feel physically stronger.
• 82% of patients with chronic inflammation reduced inflammation by nearly 50% after six weeks of daily yoga.
• 47% of patients with progressive heart disease halted its progression after one year of regular yoga practice.
• 37% of excessive drinkers and smokers credit yoga with helping them quit.
• 74% of adults with arthritis experienced reduced pain and stiffness and increased mobility with regular yoga practice, according to a 2018 UK study.
• Regular yoga practice for 12 months can decrease total cholesterol by 23% and LDL "bad" cholesterol by 26%.
• Over 80% of yoga practitioners with prior back pain reported significant relief of symptoms.

Why Yoga Demographics in America Matter

The demographics of yoga in America illustrate a dynamic and evolving practice that caters to a wide range of individuals. By understanding these statistics and demographics, we can better understand the yoga landscape in America and tailor our offerings and communications to meet the needs and preferences of our target audience.

Please feel free to reference these statistics for your articles, blog posts, teacher training materials, and any other yoga related document. Statistics will be updated as new information is obtained.

References

Statista. What is the likelihood that you would start doing yoga within the next 12 months?

NCCIH. Yoga: What You Need To Know

Yoga Alliance. (2023). Yoga in the World Executive Summary.

Yoga Alliance. (2023). Yoga in the World Overview: United States.

Statista. Number of yoga participants in the United States from 2010 to 2023

Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance. (2016). Yoga in America Study.