Cool fact, reported by the Associated Press. Less money for more people = more people doing yoga. Is there something greater at work here?

Cash-strapped Americans still seek athletic value
By EDDIE PELLS (AP) – March 29, 2010

In a sign that the economy is still struggling, a survey shows Americans keep looking for value when they exercise, choosing pursuits like running, yoga and kickboxing — three sports that don’t have huge equipment or facility expenses.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association released its annual participation overview Monday and reported that running enjoyed a 6.7 percent uptick in 2009.

Yoga (13.2 percent) and ‘cardio kickboxing’ (20.1) were among the biggest gainers from 2008 to 2009. Tennis participation went down by .1 percent, but still has grown nearly 43 percent since 2000.

yay recession! more yoga for more people with less money

March 31, 2010