Representative image. / Unsplash

In recent years, yoga’s popularity in America has drastically increased, moving beyond spiritual circles to become a billion-dollar industry. People in the United States can now practice yoga in thousands of studios, health clubs, and even schools across the country. For Indian Americans, yoga and other wellness practices such as Ayurveda serve as an important connection to their cultural roots. A number of them grew up with these traditions as part of their daily life, and continue to practice them through their gyms, and community centers.

Here are some of the leading organizations in the United States that are instrumental in promoting yoga.

Yoga Alliance

As the largest non-profit association of yoga experts, practitioners, and advocates globally, Yoga Alliance plays a crucial role in setting standards for yoga teacher training and schools. They offer resources, support, and professional development for yoga teachers, and advocate for policies that expand access to yoga and prioritize holistic health. Moreover, the organization also works to build an inclusive community and uphold ethical standards in yoga instruction.

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) 

IAYT aims to promote yoga therapy as a recognized health profession. They are instrumental in putting in place international standards for certified yoga therapists (C-IAYTs) and accredited yoga therapy training programs. Furthermore, IAYT promotes research on yoga therapy and organizes conferences to engage yoga therapists, researchers, and healthcare providers.

USA Yoga (The United States Yoga Federation)

This non-profit organization promotes yoga asana (postures) as a sport. USA Yoga organizes regional and national yoga asana competitions, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian traditions. Their goal also features advocating the practice of yoga for better human health, healing, and mental and physical well-being through education and outreach programs.

OG Yoga

This San Diego-based non-profit uses trauma-informed, diversity-sensitive, mindfulness-based yoga to help marginalized individuals who have experienced poverty, homelessness, incarceration, disability, disease, PTSD, substance abuse, foster care, and abuse. They provide affordable studio classes, and teacher training, and collaborate with other non-profit organizations to make yoga accessible to everyone.

Health experts suggest that yoga offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, such as improved flexibility, strength, balance, weight loss, and minimizing stress and anxiety. “Gentle and restorative yoga can help with weight loss by kickstarting the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates breathing, digestion, and hormones, all of which assist weight loss. Practicing yoga regularly stimulates the endocrine glands to function properly. For weight loss, the most important of these glands is the thyroid, which secretes the hormones that regulate our metabolism. Many yoga asanas have a beneficial effect on the thyroid, helping boost a slow metabolism and in return promoting weight loss,” mentions Nyela Kapadia, fitness expert and co-founder of Intermittent Fasting Mindful Living.

The practice of yoga includes a mix of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation that contribute to overall well-being. “I have found yoga to be one of the most effective ways to quiet the mind. Through asana practice, meditation, and breathwork, this ancient practice allows the mind to unwind and find inner peace amidst life's chaos. Its holistic approach soothes both body and soul, making it an invaluable practice in cultivating relaxation,” adds Shruti Shah, yoga teacher and founder of Flow With Shruti.

Lastly, a consistent yoga practice can help manage various conditions like back pain, arthritis, and sleep problems. “Gentle fitness activities such as yoga improve joint function, strength and flexibility. A regular yoga practice strengthens the supporting muscles for better support and enhances blood flow without creating excessive stress or inflammation around the joints. Yoga also helps in reducing pain, discomfort, and stiffness in joints,” concludes fitness expert and nutritionist Lovneet Bhullar Batra.