New Delhi: Yoga is the second-most popular exercise in America, a new study based on the country’s Google search results has found.
Dance topped the list, surging in popularity not only for its physical benefits — improved flexibility, balance, and coordination — but also for its positive impact on mental health. It has a total monthly search volume of 6,68,389 on Google, according to fitness experts SET FOR SET, who compiled the data.
Following closely in second place is yoga, with an average monthly search volume of 454,664. Offering a diverse range of styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, hot, and even puppy yoga, this practice provides not only physical benefits like enhanced flexibility and weight loss but also mental well-being through stress relief and inner peace, the study said.
Boxing secures the third spot, garnering 2,63,754 monthly searches from the nation. The study credited boxing to having cardiovascular benefits.
Spin classes came fourth with an overall search volume of 2,02,018, highlighting the growing popularity of bike-related exercises for improved lower body strength and core engagement.
Zumba, inspired by Latin American dance, is fifth with 1,43,484 monthly searches.
Pilates follows closely in sixth place, boasting an average monthly search volume of 1,37,211. Known for its muscle-strengthening and toning benefits, pilates has also found applications in physical therapy for muscle injury recovery, the report noted.
Seventh on the list are Barre classes, attracting fitness enthusiasts with their low-impact, high-intensity workouts. With an average monthly search volume of 61,128, Barre classes combine strength and cardio for increased body toning and fat burning.
Kickboxing secures the eighth position, with an average monthly search volume of 57,615. As a dynamic and evolving exercise form, kickboxing incorporates styles like American kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Japanese kickboxing.
Gymnastics emerged in the ninth-most popular exercise class, with an overall monthly search volume of 48,984. The study said gymnastics improved flexibility, balance, and coordination, and also contributed to preventing heart disease, obesity, and type-2 diabetes.
In the tenth spot was tai chi, with an average monthly search volume of 27,959. Originating in 12th century China, tai chi combines meditation and deep breathing techniques to enhance sleep quality, brain function, and stress relief.
The research said the least popular exercise class in the US was cross-training, with a mere 199 average monthly searches.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)