By Cathy Madeo
Yoga is a billion dollar industry with a growth rate expected to be over 9.6% in the coming years. We are sure to see people from all over the world turning to yoga, not only for its physical benefits, but also as a way to manage their mental health and overall well-being.
Here are some trends in yoga that we see on the rise and expect to see even more growth in 2024.
Online Yoga. Many people turned to yoga online during the pandemic, not just 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 own homes. Online yoga is here to stay and continues to grow year after year.
Yoga Retreats. As the appeal of travel and adventure increases post-pandemic, yoga retreats are proliferating, and with good reason. The combination of travel, tourism, wellness and the gathering of like-minded people in exotic surroundings creates unforgettable life experiences!
Outdoor yoga classes and events. Outdoor yoga classes and special events such as yoga festivals are a great way to spread the benefits of yoga while bringing the local community together. It’s a win/win for everyone as yoga teachers partner with local businesses to offer community yoga classes in a public setting.
Fusion Yoga. Movement practices such as mobility, flexibility, Pilates and gymnastics are increasingly finding their way into yoga classes. As more and more people turn to yoga, the appeal of mixing other practices that are in vogue seems like a natural fit. Combining mobility training, for example, can help increase joint range of motion that allows for pain-free movement and deeper yoga poses.
Slowing down practices like Yin Yoga. While Yin Yoga began in the late 1970s, it is gaining more and more popularity today as a self-care practice for those seeking peace and space to go inward. However, don’t let the sitting and floor postures fool you, a good yin practice still provides tension on the joints and can help facilitate increased flexibility as it targets the myofascial network in the body.
Facial yoga. While a stretch from the ancient practice of yoga, face yoga, a series of exercises for your facial muscles, is on the rise. An alternative to injecting, its massage-like movements not only provide better circulation and stronger facial muscles, but also feel good doing them helping us achieve a more relaxing state.
Breathe work. Those who practice yoga regularly know that breath work, or pranayama, is an integral part of yoga practice, but it is often not taught in mainstream yoga classes. However, as more people seek to manage their mental health, they are looking for tools that may not require a full-body movement session. With proper breathing, you can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our nervous system that makes us feel relaxed, in just 2 minutes by learning to control your breathing.
Meditation. Many people avoid meditation because they think they need to have a quiet mind. But this is a myth! Instead of trying to quiet your mind, become an observer and watch your thoughts. This practice will train you to detach from your thoughts as you notice them and let them pass. Sitting for a mindful meditation for as little as 5 minutes has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Because you can meditate anywhere without equipment, meditation practices will continue to grow
Here are our experts’ predictions for yoga trends for 2024. One thing is for sure, yoga’s popularity has not slowed down, and its great repetition continues to evolve the practice and attract more people to 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 that educates and empowers thousands of yoga students and teachers around the world with its online classes and yoga teacher training. You can learn more at www.cathymadeoyoga.com and follow her Instagram @cathymadeoyoga
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
