7 Surprising Facts About Yoga You Didn't Know

Yoga has been around for roughly 5,000 years—first appearing in the Rig-Veda, the oldest of the sacred books of Hinduism. Today, it is more popular than ever, thanks to its accessibility, adaptability and new exiting forms. Experts say its ability to be practised anywhere makes it an attractive option for millions. More than 300 million people practise yoga worldwide with females opening up their mats more than men.

Philosophy Of Yoga

While Western culture has largely embraced yoga as a form of exercise, its roots run much deeper. Originally, yoga was a way of life, recorded in the Yoga Sutras by the Indian philosopher Patanjali. The philosophy of yoga is based on the idea that the mind, body, and spirit are one. Breathing is considered a vital force, and many gurus believe that controlling the breath can rejuvenate the body and even extend life expectancy.

Benefits Of Yoga

Yoga offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits. In addition to reducing stress, it can improve posture, balance, and muscle strength while promoting joint health. Different poses serve different purposes. For example, the downward-facing dog helps relieve back pain, while the plank pose strengthens the core and upper body. If you need a quick break, try child’s pose—sitting back on your heels with arms outstretched—to help you relax and refocus.

Language of Yoga

If you’re new to yoga, you may hear words you don’t recognize, such as Tadasana (mountain pose) or Uttanasana (standing forward bend). These words come from Sanskrit, the root of many Indian languages—and the language of yoga itself. Today, Sanskrit is spoken by less than one percent of Indians, but it remains central to yoga. The word yoga (yuj) means “to yoke” or “to unite,” referring to the merging of the individual self with the divine.

How Yoga Went Global?

Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda is often credited with introducing yoga to the Western world. In 1893, he traveled from India to Chicago for the World’s Fair and delivered a groundbreaking speech on religious tolerance, receiving a two-minute standing ovation. He later authored numerous books, including Raja Yoga in 1896, which adapted Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras for a Western audience.

Yoga As A Thriving Industry

Yoga has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. In 2019, it generated an estimated US$37 billion globally, with projections reaching US$66 billion annually by 2027. Many celebrities, including Madonna, Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, NBA star LeBron James, and even Paul McCartney—who at 78 regularly practised headstand pose—have helped fuel its popularity.

Yoga for Kids And Injury Prevention

Yoga isn’t just for adults. It can help children reduce anxiety, improve focus, and develop emotional regulation, especially in kids with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. However, while yoga is generally safe, injuries can occur. A 13-year U.S. study found that between 2001 and 2014, nearly 30,000 people visited the ER with yoga-related injuries. To stay safe, work with a qualified instructor and avoid attempting difficult poses without proper guidance.

Aerial Yoga, Hot Yoga, and More

Modern yoga has evolved into various forms. Vinyasa yoga, or flow yoga, focuses on linking poses with breath in a continuous sequence. Ashtanga yoga is more structured, following a fixed series of postures. Hot yoga, performed in a heated room, is believed to increase flexibility, stamina, and calorie burn. Other unique variations include aerial yoga, where practitioners use silk hammocks, and animal yoga, where people practise alongside puppies, goats, or even horses for a fun and stress-relieving experience.