| The word yoga is a Sanskrit term which can be | | | | society as a whole is facing various crises in their |
| translated as "union" or "unitized discipline". It refers | | | | lives. These problems are not for any particular class |
| to the process of unification and change in self | | | | or mindset; it exists on all levels of society, so |
| esteem. Initially yoga was a thing of the east mostly | | | | Americans turn to various alternatives to rid |
| related to India as it was a part of their religious | | | | themselves of these issues. The following scenarios in |
| rituals and activities. Today it is used all over the | | | | particular lead people to seek yoga for gaining peace |
| world to attain peace of mind and a healthy body. | | | | and tranquility of mind and body: |
| One of the key reasons of yoga popularity is the | | | | - Individuals who don't find their work satisfying or |
| ease of practicing without equipment requirements. It | | | | meaningful according to their level of qualification or |
| is a practice mastered through the yogis own mental | | | | experience |
| and physical strengths. | | | | - People who are on a quest to discover their inner |
| The fast paced American life style does not allow | | | | spirituality through engaging in new activities. |
| people to take time out of their work schedules and | | | | - Health conscious Americans trying to burn extra |
| relax their bodies and minds. This race to get ahead | | | | calories as well as refreshing their senses on all levels |
| leaves people physically restless and mentally | | | | of life. |
| exhausted. Constant stress leads to many medical | | | | - Individuals impacted by the economic conditions and |
| and psychological problems in society. Although | | | | undergoing stressful and traumatic periods in their |
| technology has given many time saving solutions for | | | | lives. |
| daily activities and chores, at the same time these | | | | In addition the younger generation chooses to |
| changes have also impacted their lives in a negative | | | | practice yoga, as it is widely popular among |
| way. People want to take time out of their busy | | | | celebrities, and once they start regular yoga sessions, |
| work lives and focus on themselves in order to | | | | they like the effects it has on them, turning them |
| eliminate factors that are burning them out. Yoga is | | | | into avid fans of yoga! |
| the answer to their problems which gives serenity of | | | | The most popular type of yoga among Americans is |
| mind along with a healthy body. It doesn't take up | | | | Hatha and it is widely practiced. It has about 200 |
| much time as it can be adjusted according to one's | | | | body postures and it can be varied in 100 ways |
| life style and schedule. It is more popular in females | | | | based on the individual's needs. Hatha focuses on |
| as they tend to be extra conscious about their | | | | physical health and mental wellbeing and includes a |
| bodies as compared to men. However with the | | | | combination of various poses, breathing techniques |
| passage of time, men are also beginning to discover | | | | and meditation. Yoga improves blood circulation and |
| the joys of regular yoga practice. | | | | increases flexibility in turn achieving a healthy brain |
| There are various reasons of yoga popularity in | | | | and a well toned and trimmed body for the American |
| America. This is due to the fact that the American | | | | yogi. |