By Cathy Madeo
Yoga is a billion-dollar industry with a growth rate expected to be over 9.6% in the next few years. We are bound to see people from all over the world turn to yoga, not only for its physical benefits but also as a way to manage mental health and overall well-being.
Here are some trends in yoga we are seeing on the rise and we expect to see even more growth throughout 2024.
Online Yoga. Many people turned to yoga online during the pandemic, not only as a physical practice but as a way to manage stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. During this time people from all over the world gained access to expert-level yoga teachers and many yoga students became accustomed to practicing yoga in the comfort of their home. Online yoga is here to stay and continues to grow year after year.
Yoga Retreats. As the appeal of travel and adventure surges post-pandemic, yoga retreats are multiplying, and with good reason. The combination of travel, tourism, wellness, and bringing together like-minded people in exotic settings makes for unforgettable life experiences!
Outdoor yoga classes and events. Outdoor yoga classes and special events like yoga festivals are a great way to spread the benefits of yoga while also bringing the local community together. It’s a win/win for everyone as yoga teachers collaborate with local businesses to offer community yoga classes in a public setting.
Fusion Yoga. Movement practices like mobility , flexibility, Pilates, and calisthenics are increasingly finding their way into yoga classes. As more and more people turn to yoga, the appeal of blending other practices that are trending seems like a natural fit. Combining mobility training, for instance, can help increase the range of motion in the joints which allows for pain-free movement and deeper yoga poses.
Slowing down practices like Yin Yoga. While Yin Yoga started in the late 1970s, it’s gaining more and more popularity today as a self-care practice for those seeking stillness and space to go inward. Don’t let the seated and floor poses fool you though, a good yin practice will still provide tension in the joints and can help facilitate an increase in flexibility as it targets the myofascial network in the body.
Face Yoga. While a stretch from the ancient practice of yoga, face yoga, a series of exercises for the muscles of your face, is on the rise. An alternative to injectables, its massage-like movements not only provide better circulation and stronger facial muscles, but can help us achieve a more relaxed state.
Breathe work. Those who practice yoga regularly know that breath work, or pranayama is an integral part of the yoga practice, but it’s often not taught in mainstream yoga classes. However, as more people seek to manage their mental health they search for tools that might not require a full body movement session. With the right breath work you can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our nervous system that makes us feel relaxed, in as little as 2 minutes by learning to control your breath.
Meditation. Many people avoid meditation because they think they have to have a quiet mind. But that’s a myth! Instead of trying to quiet the mind, become an observer and watch your thoughts. This practice will train you to detach from your thoughts as you observe them and let them pass by. Sitting for a mindful meditation for as little as 5 minutes is shown to decrease stress and promote overall well-being. Because you can meditate anywhere without any equipment, meditation practices will continue to rise
There you have it, our expert’s projections for the 2024 trends in yoga. One thing is for certain yoga’s popularity has not slowed down, and its many iterations continues to evolve the practice and entice more people into its healing practices.
About the author:
Cathy Madeo is a yoga expert, entrepreneur, social media influencer and founder of Cathy Madeo Yoga, a global online yoga school educating and empowering thousands of yoga students and teachers worldwide with her online courses and yoga teacher training. You can learn more at www.cathymadeoyoga.com and follow her on Instagram@cathymadeoyoga
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
