Role of Technological Advancements in Expansion of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. It has recently emerged as one of the hottest trends in the fitness and wellness sector. More and more people are turning to yoga as a form of self-care as stress and an unhealthy lifestyle continue to affect the majority of the population. Yoga includes breathing techniques, meditation, and exercises. The development of the global yoga industry is greatly influenced by elements such as the numerous health advantages of yoga, celebrity endorsement and promotion of yogic practices, celebration of International Yoga Day, and other encouraging government initiatives.

According to a recent study by Allied Market Research, the global yoga market is anticipated to display a noteworthy CAGR from 2021 to 2027. Obesity and other related diseases such as heart attacks, hypertension, hypotension, and diabetes have also pushed more people to practice yoga, driving the market's growth rate. Some of the key areas where the stakeholders are consistently investing, innovating, and profiting from yoga are virtual yoga classes, social media platforms, and yoga tourism. For instance, in order to provide guests with a quick escape from the rush of city life, ‘Ananda’ in the Himalayas added customized yoga sessions to the resort's traditional Hatha yoga practice.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the International Yoga Centre, worth Rs 87 crore, at Mantalai in the Udhampur district in April, as work on all the project's components has been completed and final touches are currently being applied. The Indian government approved the project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to promote Himalayan Yoga and spirituality, attract tourists, and improve infrastructure. The National Building Construction Corporation, in partnership with Patel Engineering, completed all components of the project. The project includes a center for tourist assistance, a yoga and meditation complex, a wellness spa and ayurvedic complex, eco-huts with solariums, poly houses and drip irrigation systems, an open-air amphitheater, a helipad, etc. The Tourist Facilitation Center has counseling rooms, a place to exchange money, a conference room, and a museum, while the Yoga Center has an exhibition space, a meditation hall, meditation pods, a dining area, and a solid waste management facility. It has been designed to allow people to practice yoga in nature because so many people are looking for peace and comfort as a result of their altered or engaged worn-out lifestyles.

Virtual Yoga training is gaining traction because many individuals are comfortable practicing exercises at home. Here are the top 5 trending Yoga apps:

The Underbelly App

Down Dog

Alo Moves

Yoga with Adriene

On February 6, 2023, ‘Yoga Detox’ presented a unique method for constructing the most energizing detox through yoga that will aid in weight loss and flexibility improvement. The app gives users access to specially designed yoga poses that help them achieve their goals. In May 2022, for visitors who stay at resorts in the coastal glitzy areas, yoga retreats were organized on Binh Lap Island as a unique and interesting experience.

An anti-gravity body suit invented by AIIMS specialists enables astronauts to practice yoga in space. The anti-gravity equipment aids astronauts in maintaining bone density, acquiring minerals, and strengthening muscles.

The official opening of Sukun Yoga Studio, in AI Dhait South, Ras Al Khaimah, is scheduled for February 12, 2023. People can practice yoga in the studio's serene and peaceful setting to develop a connection with their bodies and minds. On the other hand, Athleta, a division of Gap Inc., announced the introduction of its first-ever "Flow Freely" yoga mat and coordinating props like a block and bag on January 18, 2023. The yoga mat is made of rubber from plants that were ethically sourced and came from FSC-certified forests, and it is made with 70% YULEX® natural rubber, which eliminates harmful materials frequently found in yoga gear.

Crunch Fitness unveiled Crunch+, a brand-new platform for live and on-demand workouts, on February 6, 2023. It is available on both Android and iOS devices as well as streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Smart TV powered by Android TV, and Apple TV. Workouts like Sculpt, Yoga, Cardio Tai Box, Pilates, Stretching, and many more are available on this platform. The platform offers episodic content with a plot structure that enables users to develop new skills week by week.

COVID-19 impact on the global yoga market:

Growing awareness about health led to the increase in popularity of at-home workout equipment and virtual fitness classes, which had a positive impact on the global yoga market. Many individuals had to get creative with their exercise routines and find alternative ways to stay active. Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and dumbbells became popular choices as they were compact and easy to store in small spaces. The use of technology such as smartphones and laptops also allowed people to participate in virtual fitness classes from the comfort of their own homes. The pandemic brought awareness to the importance of fitness and physical activity, leading many people to adopt healthier habits and make fitness a part of their daily routines.