Introduction
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. Despite its long history, yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years as a form of exercise and relaxation for athletes, people with physical or mental disabilities, and even everyday folks looking to improve their overall physical and mental well-being. Yoga offers a wide variety of benefits beyond what traditional fitness routines can offer: improved flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination; increased respiration and energy levels; calming the mind; reducing stress-related illnesses; relieving chronic back pain; promoting sleep quality; improving cardiovascular health; gaining insight into one’s behavior and thought process.
Today, there are over 14 thousand yoga studios across America offering different styles of classes such as Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. With the growing availability of yoga instruction in both places like neighborhood gyms to specialized yoga studios ” people are experiencing the true power of this activity on their physical and mental health not only from studio visits but also from online classes! With so many studios available across the country ” it is now easier than ever for everyone to find a suitable class at a convenient time for their own schedule. For example some studios offer early morning classes for people who want an energizing start to the day or late night sessions for those struggling with insomnia due to stress or lack of exercise during the day. In addition to these offerings more and more studios have started making classes accessible virtually allowing anyone from anywhere to participate in yoga without having to leave their home.
Overall it is easy to see why yoga has surged in popularity over the last few decades ” the amount of yoga studios here in the United States is just testament to this fact!
Research & Statistics
The exact number of yoga studios in the United States is difficult to pinpoint, as many studios open and close often. According to recent statistics from the International Association of Yoga Therapists, there were an estimated 7,000 independent U.S. yoga studios in 2016. This figure accounts for studios that offer any type of yoga class.
When broken down by state, New York, Florida and California have the highest numbers of yoga studios per capita. However, on a city-by-city basis, Los Angeles takes the lead with more than 500 different locations offering yoga classes and instruction. Pennsylvania follows with around 465 yoga studios within its boundaries while New York has 345 licensed establishments across all five boroughs.
There are also numerous small “boutique” or specialty yoga studio franchises throughout the country who specialize in a single type of yoga such as hot styles like Bikram or power flow based practices like Vinyassa Flow Technologies (VFT). Depending on individual state regulations some studios may not be legally classified as “yoga” businesses so these figures can vary greatly. As such there is no definitive answer regarding exactly how many U.S.-based yoga businesses exist today but estimates suggest thousands with more likely opening over time as this holistic practice continues to rise in popularity among people from all backgrounds and walks of life!
Origins
Yoga is an ancient practice with its roots in India, and it has been passed down through several centuries. The practice of yoga as a part of spiritual development dates back to the Vedic period in India around 1500 BC. Even today, the practices and principles of yoga remain largely unchanged, although there are many different types of yoga practiced today.
In the United States, there is a huge range of different types of yoga available for practitioners to explore at specialized yoga studios. For example, there are classes in Hatha yoga which involves basic postures or poses and breathing techniques; Iyengar Yoga which focuses on using props to help improve alignment; Vinyasa or ‘flow’ Yoga that focuses on simple sequences as well as dynamic breath-movement coordination; Hot Yoga classes done in high temperatures for increased flexibility; and Kundalini Yoga based on traditional kriyas, chanting and meditation. Currently, according to statistics provided by Statista.com there are approximately 20,700 active yoga studios dispersed across the United States with 7 million participants across all age groups in 2020.
Who’s Practicing
There is no definitive answer to this question as the number of yoga studios in the US varies from year to year. According to Yoga Alliance’s 2017 study, there were at least 7,000 registered yoga studios in the US during that time. At that same time, it was estimated that between 20-80 million people practiced some form of yoga nationwide.
In terms of who is practicing yoga, the 2017 study shows that women account for 74 percent of yoga practitioners, though both men and women are engaging in more sessions than ever before. Between 2012 and 2016, the number of male participants rose by 50 percent while female participants grew by 32 percent. People ages 18- 44 make up nearly 75 percent of all practitioners, with 31 percent falling into the teaching useful category (ages 25″34). In terms of race and ethnicity, individuals identifying as white comprising 53 percent of all practitioners, a figure which climbs slightly higher when including “other.” African Americans comprised 8 percent and Hispanics 5%.
Yoga has also become increasingly popular amongst veterans, volunteer organizations and basketball teams alike thanks to the median physical and mental benefits it provides its users. Moreover, studies have found that regular practice increases joint flexibility reduces hyperhydrosis (anxiety) improves moods boosts energy levels builds strength enhances respiration and helps overcome addiction relapse.
Popularity Trends
Yoga has become hugely popular in the US over the past decade or so. One of the driving forces behind this is that yoga provides many physical and mental health benefits, which is especially important given today’s hectic lifestyles. Yoga also promotes relaxation and stress relief, helping people to better manage their emotions and achieve a general sense of well-being. Furthermore, yoga allows for a great deal of customization, meaning practitioners can curate their own practice specific to their needs. This means that even the busiest individuals have time for yoga!
The popularity of yoga has led to a rapid increase in the number of yoga studios opening throughout the US. Major cities like Los Angeles and New York City have seen huge growth in both old and new studios striving to capture a piece of this lucrative market. As more professionals, retired persons, and teens turn to yoga for its various benefits, this trend is likely to continue into the future. Additionally, more interest in these practices has led yogis to open dedicated teacher training schools as part of corporate wellness programs across America. With this focus on expanding education came an elevation in teaching standards thus ensuring that safe practises are followed at all times by instructors.
Financing
While the number of yoga studios in the United States is difficult to pinpoint, published reports suggest that it has grown significantly over the past decade. As of October 2020, Yoga Journal estimated there were more than 14,000 yoga studios and fitness centers throughout America.
Growing a yoga studio can be expensive, which means many entrepreneurs are turning to venture capitalists for financing. Others are raising money through crowdfunding websites or obtaining bank loans or lines of credit. However, it is important for yogis to remain aware of their business finances and any related challenges. There are a few major financial issues that may arise when launching a yoga studio:
1. Start-up Costs: From landlord deposits and inventory purchase to legal fees and technology investments, there can be significant required start-up costs with opening a yoga studio. It’s important that all necessary financing is in place before beginning any major operations.
2. Cash Flow: Consistent cash flow management is needed in order to keep up with rent payments and other expenses associated with running a business. This means having processes set in place to ensure payment collections from memberships and regular clients alike stay on track.
3. Talents/Labor/Equipment: Of course as with any business, attracting quality talent is essential for success; often times funds will need to be allocated for training costs or updated equipment purchases depending on the specific studio’s needs. Keeping up with labor costs from the get go can ensure the growth of your business is not hindered by financial stresses one may face in those initial outlay periods
Growth Forecasts
Growth forecasts related to the number of yoga studios in the US vary wildly, with some forecasts predicting an exponential rise. This is mainly due to a number of factors. Research has indicated that yoga in the US is on an ascension trend overall and this is due to the increasing popularity of yoga for physical and mental health benefits, as well as an increased acceptance of wellness practices among businesses, organisations and societies at large. Furthermore, because yoga is relatively inexpensive compared to other fitness classes under flexible payment options, more people are taking up yoga given its accessible price range. As a result of these holistic benefits that go beyond physical fitness, such as improved immunity and relaxation, many are turning towards yoga to provide a balance between their physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, combined with visibility from social media influencers and celebrities endorsing yoga as part of their lifestyles means that it is likely we will continue to see exceptional growth for years to come.
Conclusion
The popularity of yoga in the US has surged in recent years, and this is reflected in the number of yoga studios that have opened across the country. As of 2021, there are an estimated 10,628 yoga studios in the United States. This figure stands at a significant growth from the 6098 registered studios in 2018 showing how quickly yoga is becoming a more and more popular practice.
This is reflective of a shift in consumer attitudes towards health and wellness and demonstrates that people are seeking out holistic forms of self-care to meet their needs and keep them engaged with physical activity as well as mental health management. With such significant growth over such a short period of time it is also difficult to estimate how many studios will open up over the upcoming years”potentially even tens of thousands if the current trend continues. Yoga offers an accessible form of physical and mental exercise for people that can be practiced alone or with others so there’s clearly no lack demand providing ample opportunity for growth and expansion into new spaces.
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
