As the world marks the International Day of Yoga on Friday, teachers of the activity in New Zealand say the increased
awareness of its benefits has yet to dramatically increase participation rates.
The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated by millions worldwide on 21 June each year since 2015.
This year's theme is "yoga for self and society" and enthusiasts have spent a portion of the day breathing, stretching
and meditating at numerous events nationwide.
In partnership with the Indian High Commission, groups in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton have held
celebrations.
A prominent event took place in Parliament hosted by Art of Living New Zealand.
"Ever since the UN adopted this day, more and more people have come to know about yoga," said Tilak Raj, a yoga teacher
of more than 10 years who has taught students in Auckland and Lincoln in the Selwyn district. "Organising events all
across the country is also definitely good. But whether that has led to an increase in the number of regular yoga
practitioners is another matter."
Rebecca Harford, who owns multiple yoga studios across Christchurch, agreed.
"I am not sure if there has been a significant increase in awareness about yoga due to the declaration of the
International Day of Yoga, as we haven't seen much increase in our membership," Harford said.
The stable participation rates are supported by Sport New Zealand's Active NZ Changes in Participation survey in 2022.
The annual survey has been measuring nationwide participation in play, active recreation and sport since 2017.
According to the survey, the number of adults aged 18 years and older who participated in yoga weekly has remained
stable between 2018 and 2022, totalling 6-8 percent.
What's more, the percentage of adults participating in yoga over the past 12 months has also mostly fluctuated between
16 and 18 percent over the same timeframe, according to the survey.
Data was not reported in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reha Kumar, winner of the yoga teacher of the year award handed out by Exercise New Zealand last year, said
participation in yoga would only improve once people were motivated to experience yoga outside the confines of the
International Day of Yoga.
"It's like Mental Health Awareness Week," Kumar said. "We talk about issues related to mental health during that
designated week and nothing happens outside of it.
"Conversations about the benefits of doing yoga should happen year-round, which will lead to more and more people taking
it up."