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Interesting & Fun Yoga Facts for Kids (2024 Updated!)

Yoga is one of the world’s oldest disciplines that consists of spiritual, mental, and physical practices. Many use yoga as a form of exercise, while others use yoga to meditate and connect their minds and bodies with a higher power.

The practice of yoga comes from India. It has many aims, including learning to still and control the mind. There are several different methods of practicing yoga, as well as several different schools of yoga. In this article, we’re going to look at how yoga originated and some interesting facts about yoga, so let’s dive right in.

History of Yoga

We know that yoga originated in ancient India, but aside from that, there is no concrete evidence that tells us more about where yoga originated exactly or who started it. However, there are a couple of theories that tell us more about yoga’s possible origins. 

The first theory, often referred to as the linear model, states that the origins of yoga originated in the Vedic tradition, which we know about from the Vedic texts. Many Hindu scholars support this theory. The other theory, which is referred to as the synthesis model, states that yoga has Vedic origins, but consists of non-Vedic and indigenous practices. Unlike the other theory, this one is generally supported by Western thought. 

The earliest references to yoga are seen in the early Vedic texts between 1200 BCE and 900 BCE. 

10 Interesting Facts About Yoga

1. 72% of people who practice yoga in Western countries are female. 

Even though the earliest yoga practitioners were male, the majority of people that practice yoga are women! In a study conducted by the Yoga Alliance and the Yoga Journal, researchers found that 72% of the people who practice yoga are female. However, in India, yoga is practiced almost equally among both men and women. 

2. The most expensive yoga mat costed $100,000. 

People all over the world spend hundreds of dollars a month on yoga clothes and mats, but did you know that the most expensive yoga mat ever costed $100,000? The Chakracarma mat retailed between $15,000 and $100,000, and was made from ethically sourced vegan leather and precious stones. Some of the gemstones used to make these mats included sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. 

3. Many people practice yoga today to improve their flexibility.

Everyone practices yoga for different reasons, but studies have shown that the main reason people practice yoga today is to improve their flexibility and muscle stress. Studies have also shown that many people do yoga to improve their mobility, better their mental health, and alleviate stress. 

4. Scientists have proved that yoga benefits ones health. 

Many people are often quick to write yoga off as some New Age nonsense, but scientists have studied the health benefits of yoga and published their findings. They’ve discovered that yoga can reduce high blood pressure and inflammation. It can also boost your immune system and improve your cardiovascuar function. Scientists also suspect that yoga can improve your bone health. 

5. Yoga currently has over 100 styles. 

I’m sure the ancient yogis didn’t see this coming, but today, there are more than 100 styles of doing yoga! Some of the most popular styles are bikram, hatha, vinyasa, and ashtanga yoga, and hot yoga. However, there are more recent styles like goat yoga, laughter yoga, and even naked yoga. There’s also aerial yoga, restorative yoga, and bikram yoga.

6. The largest yoga session ever had over 125,000 people in attendance.

International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st, and in 2023, the people of Surat, Gujarat, broke the Guinness World Record for the largest yoga session in the world! Over 125,000 people gathered in Surat at the Y Junction to take part in a yoga session. There were several notable politicians in attendance, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, the Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, and the mayor of Surat,  Hemali Boghawala. 

7. The headstand is considered to be the most dangerous yoga position. 

In addition to being one of the more advanced yoga positions, the headstand is also considered to be the most dangerous. It’s also the position with the highest amount of risks attached to it. If you don’t perform this position correctly and under supervision, you could risk injuring your neck and paralyzing yourself. 

8. The oldest yoga teacher in the world was 101 years old.

Tao Porchon-Lynch was the world’s oldest yoga teacher, who taught hundreds of students this practice until she was 101 years old. She began learning yoga when she was only 8, and went on to practice it for the next 93 years. She studied with many famous yoga instructors like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Aurobindo. 

9. Yoga can help people manage burnout and self-esteem problems. 

Aside from its physical health benefits, yoga can also help people of all ages manage issues with self-esteem and burnout. In terms of self-esteem, studies have shown that young adults struggling with body image, depression, anxiety, and OCD found relief after practicing yoga. In terms of burnout, research has shown that yoga helped people respond to their body’s signals and manage stress. 

10. Yoga vacations are a new form of relaxation. 

We’ve heard of health retreats and silent meditation, but did you know that yoga vacations are also a thing? Yoga vacations are a type of retreat designed to help people with their spiritual, physical, and personal growth. Depending on the type of yoga vacation you choose, you will spend time improving your practice and learning more about using yoga to better yourself. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Yoga is one of the world’s most ancient exercise practices that has only gained popularity with each passing year. It has hundreds of benefits for people of all ages, and in this article, we took you through an interesting guide full of fun facts about yoga. The next time you want to want to exercise or just move your body a little, we highly recommend trying out some yoga!