Yoga, as most of us know, is the ancient practice of breathing, meditation and a performing of certain postures. Practicing yoga has gained popularity in recent years and is now starting to gain a lot of attention from the material world. This has its serious practitioners concerned that the reason behind it's use will be lost in the grab for cash. Many people that practice yoga, or are attempting to learn it, are people that are well educated and are usually found to be doing above average financially. They are also the types of people willing to spend more money on things that are perceived to be better for the environment. Yoga is now becoming an 'in' thing to do. Because of this a good many people are jumping on the bandwagon and have started to sell all of the 'extras' that are used to enjoy yoga. Entrepreneurs are pursuing this market with a vengeance. These include: books, videos, music, clothes and even the toe socks are making a comeback. A lot of entrepreneurs are happy that they are able to adhere to yoga's natural healing principles while also turning a great profit. And a lot of investors are now being attracted to this trend as a means to make some serious cash.

Americans alone spend over $2.95 billion a year on yoga classes, clothing, videos, equipment, yoga holidays and more. Aging baby boomers have found it to be a less aggressive way to stay fit.

A study found that approximately 16.5 million people are now practicing yoga in the United States in gyms, in studios, or at home, this is up a whopping 43 percent from a study done in 2002.

In Vancouver, British Columbia, the company Lululemon Athletica has found there to be a rise in sales of yoga apparel to $100 million since they opened in 1998. People are snapping up the trendy pants and tops to wear to yoga class and they are becoming more and more popular for wearing to the grocery store or even to wear out to dinner.

Spas are finding that combining yoga classes with massage, facials and alternative treatments such as acupuncture, are a way to utilize a whole mind and body renewal process.

While spas are enjoying the money to be made by using yoga as a part of their product package, many consumers are now coming to enjoy it's many benefits and to realize that there are less stressful ways to stay fit and healthy.

Even some schools are now starting to teach yoga. They are realizing that it is the essence of what's missing in the lives of many modern teens: a connection between their mind and body. An ancient art that has been used for centuries to learn and enjoy a peaceful time, while reducing stress and to cultivate an enthusiasm for exercise. This could not have been rediscovered at a better time. After all, it is not news to anyone that has seen the stories on television that kids and teens are fatter and less active than ever these days.

According to a study done in 2002 by the National Center for Health Statistics it was found that 16% of young people ages 6-19 are overweight. The figures are probably much higher today and we all know just by walking around town that more and more adults are overweight too.

In a time when everything is rush rush and we are all eating more fast food than ever, while leading more and more stressful lives; maybe we all just need to take a little time to relax. Enjoy some yoga and de-stress.

Ahhhh, it makes a body feel good.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga