September is National Yoga Awareness Month, offering a great chance to showcase yoga’s growing popularity. In a survey conducted every five years as part of the National Health Interview Survey, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the National Center for Health Statistics found that about 1 in 6 adults in the U.S. practice yoga, which is roughly 38.4 million people. This shows an increase from previous years, with more Americans adding yoga to their routines.

The ongoing increase in yoga’s popularity can probably be linked to several factors, including greater public awareness of how a healthy lifestyle affects both immediate and long-term health. An important aspect of a healthy lifestyle is taking steps to protect our bodies, which includes working to reduce the aches and pains often linked to aging.

“The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome,” explained Dr. Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor.

The American Osteopathic Association emphasizes that the benefits of yoga extend beyond just easing chronic pain. According to the AOA, yoga can help men, women, and even children increase their flexibility and build stronger, more toned muscles. Other benefits include weight management, improved cardiovascular and circulatory health, and higher energy levels and vitality.

But the benefits of yoga extend beyond the physical to include mental health. The American Psychological Association points out that several studies have shown yoga can help strengthen social bonds, reduce stress, and relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. For example, a 2012 study from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that a specific type of yoga with brief, daily meditation lowered the stress levels of caregivers caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

One of the most appealing aspects of yoga is that it requires little to no financial investment from practitioners. Unlike gyms that often ask members to sign yearly contracts or pay high monthly fees, many yoga studios do not require long-term commitments. Instead, they usually charge a small fee each time you attend if you prefer not to commit to a membership. Additionally, yoga only needs a mat and suitable clothing—something that allows movement but isn’t so loose that it restricts your ability to do certain poses. Numerous online platforms and apps offer free or low-cost yoga classes and tutorials, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Yoga’s popularity in the US is driven by its wide range of physical and mental health benefits, its accessibility, and its alignment with the modern emphasis on wellness and mindfulness. Many view it as an effective way to manage stress, increase flexibility and strength, and improve overall well-being. Harvard Health states that yoga’s holistic approach, which addresses physical, mental, and emotional health, appeals to those seeking a more integrated path to health, personal growth, and empowerment, as well as a deeper connection with their inner selves.