Why Yoga Is So Popular Around the World

by | Oct 9, 2015 | Health Featured

Yoga is becoming a daily part of life for many people. Even those who thought they would never do yoga have discovered that it’s incredibly beneficial. Yoga has thrived as a restorative physical practice for more than 15,000 years, and in that time it’s become a $27 billion industry. So, why is it so popular? The answer to that question involves a very long and complex history, but there are a few key components that have contributed to this growing trend.

Marketing and Politics

Yoga has been around for years, but the reason it’s so big in 2015 is attributed to various movements in both marketing and politics, including:

  • The Green Movement:Also known as the Environmental Movement, supporters are devoted to doing anything and everything possible to sustain the environment. It began in the early 1970s, but has grown to a peak in the last couple of years, thanks to the media and age of digital connectivity. Yoga is seen as an environmental practice because of the simplicity and non-mechanical nature of the exercise.
  • Organic Trend: This trend is another movement away from processed foods, pesticides, and anything that detracts from the natural cleanliness and inner spiritual function of the body. The purpose of yoga is to connect with the inner self. Eating organic foods and staying away from chemicals is one result of connecting with the inner self through yoga for many people.
  • Commercialization: Yoga is constantly being advertised as a method of exercise that’s great for the body. As a result, fitness companies have jumped on board, creating “must-have” clothing and equipment that’s marketed every minute of every day. It’s hard to ignore the practice with so much advertising and marketing constantly barraging the world.

Proven Spiritual and Physical Health Benefits

Yoga has actually been proven to make a difference in a number of areas in health and wellness, including the following:

  • Strengthens Core: Thanks to the strength training and stretching aspects of the practice, yoga is one of the best exercises for strengthening the core, improving flexibility, and adding greater function to the muscles in the body.
  • Fights Disease: In addition, yoga has been noted to improve serious health conditions and prevent diseases, including high blood pressure, poor circulation, arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, headaches, depression, obesity, stress, and even heart disease.
  • Facilitates Meditation and Inner Peace: One of the best stress relievers known is meditation, and yoga is the perfect avenue. Yoga has been known to help countless people feel better physically and mentally.

Getting Started Is Easy

Another reason that yoga has really taken off is its simplicity. You don’t have to be in good shape, have a thorough knowledge of exercise, or have a gym membership to enjoy the benefits of yoga. It’s so easy that you can do it at home! With online tutorials or local classes, anyone can learn to perfect his or her “downward dog” or “warrior one” poses.

It’s also a great way to make a living. Thousands have learned that with the right training, they can become yoga instructors themselves, either online or through a fitness club, and do something they love while getting paid for it. The instructor industry is booming everywhere, but those who really want to excel can attend classes overseas in Indonesia or Thailand.

Vey Long, Uncontrolled History

As previously mentioned, yoga has been around for a very long time, a lot longer than most forms of exercise. It’s actually the only system that has withstood the test of time without any government enforcement to keep it going.

Such a long history typically means something when it comes to the effectiveness of the exercise. Medical and scientific researchers would have found proof long ago if the practice was ineffective; instead, they’ve found profound medical and spiritual health. Despite marketing tactics, this factalone is the main reason that yoga lives on as a highly respected and utilized form of exercise today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share This