More than 1 million Aussies practise: Why yoga’s popularity is growing

Bridget Johns had no intention of ever trying yoga. “I didn’t think a yoga workout was a ‘proper’ workout,” the 40-year-old says. “I thought that to be a workout, it needed to be sweaty; you need to be lifting weights and things like that.” She wasn’t drawn to the idea of it, either. “The ‘woo-ness’ probably scared me away a bit.”

But when she attended a business retreat a few months ago and saw that yoga sessions were on offer, she decided to join in. “I just thought it would be a good way to talk to people in a more casual environment.”

Research from the Australian Sports Commission found that of all the sporting endeavours, lifestyle activities are proving most popular in Australia.Credit: iStock

That one yoga class kickstarted a new outlook – and a new habit. As an organisation expert, Johns talks about the benefits of using 1 per cent of your day – 14.4 minutes – to achieving your goals. Johns decided to dedicate one per cent of her day to practising yoga.

She is far from the only one soaking up the benefits of the downward dog. Research from the Australian Sports Commission found that of all the sporting endeavours Aussies partake in, lifestyle activities are proving most popular. While tennis, golf and soccer are still hot favourites, yoga has even more fans, with 1.17 million Australians aged 15 and over practising it.

Exercise physiologist and yoga teacher Skye Thomas says the ancient practice has been rising in popularity in Australia “for quite a while”. While it’s common to discuss yoga as a single entity, she says it’s an umbrella term for a variety of practices.

These range from ashtanga, vinyasa and hot yoga – which Thomas says are “strong practices” that can lead to a sweaty, intense workout – to the “nourishing” effects of yin and restorative yoga.

“Those are more about calming the nervous system and allowing your body to open and relax,” she says.

Regardless of the type, Thomas says you’re bound to reap the benefits. Not only can yoga improve flexibility, balance and body strength, she says it can also assist in reducing levels of chronic pain and blood pressure.

While people often hop on board the yoga bandwagon because of the physical benefits, Thomas says they tend to keep going because of the benefits to their mental health.

Because yoga can help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, she says it can reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, it can lead to deeper sleep, greater feelings of calm and improved mental clarity.

As someone who struggles to meditate while sitting still, Johns says yoga helps to calm her brain “and just be in the moment”. Her body feels “less stiff” and more flexible.

If you’re interested in trying yoga, remember that it’s an unregulated industry and anyone can teach it. Thomas advises seeking a certified yoga teacher or asking a health professional for recommendations. It’s also worth trying a few different styles.

But while Thomas says face-to-face instruction is best, you don’t have to fork out for classes to give it a go, says Johns, suggesting you try a YouTube workout from the comfort of your own home.

Johns is thrilled that she’s now a yoga adoptee. Gone are the days of thinking that a workout needed to be gruelling. She loves how strong and flexible yoga has made her feel and delights in how calming she finds it. “It’s just about moving your body for joy.”

Evelyn Lewin is a GP and freelance writer.

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