1890s
When did yoga arrive in the West? Yoga, as it is known in the West, took off in the late 1890s, when Indian monks began spreading their knowledge to the Western world for the first time. People who traveled to India were also able to rub shoulders with the yogis and observe their practice firsthand.
When did yoga get popular in the US?
Yoga has been practiced in the United States since the late 19th century, but it only began to gain mainstream popularity in the 1970s. During this time, a number of yoga teachers began offering classes in major cities across the country, introducing Americans to the practice.
Who taught yoga to the West?
Swami Vivekananda
The introduction of yoga to the West is often credited to Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), who first came to the United States of America in 1883. He organized world conferences by describing yoga as a “science of the mind” and translated Yogic texts from Sanskrit into English.
Why is yoga so popular in the West?
The popularity of yoga in western countries can be attributed to several factors, including: Physical and mental health benefits: Yoga is known for its ability to improve physical health, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, which are all highly valued in western societies.
Who popularized yoga in USA?
Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the United States in 1893 at the World Conference on Religions in Chicago (7). In the last century, dedicated yoga teachers of India popularized yoga practice in the United States, as documented in the chronology by George Feuerstein (8).
Where in the US is yoga most popular?
Data from the 2022 Mindbody Wellness Index found that Miami, Oakland, and Atlanta were the cities with the largest population of residents who practice yoga.