UNITED STATES, October 19, 2011 (by MaryAnn Busso): The total cost for a yoga enthusiast living in Manhattan, according to Bloomberg, is $10,779 a year. Prices are calculated for a 37-year-old New York woman who buys all accessories upfront and spares little expense to take up yoga for one year. [HPI note: See the slideshow (at source above) to check all the accessories and events you don’t need to practice yoga.]
Bloomberg Rankings researched the potential cost for a woman living in New York to start practicing yoga and to continue for one year–if you want to be fancy, that is. Himalayan yogis hardly even sport a loincloth, and they are doing fine.
The ancient Hindu practice has become big business. As with most business trends, there is always potential for upscaling, however. On top of classes, yogis in search of their higher self are now buying higher-end equipment and traveling to exotic retreats. According to IBISWorld Market Research, yoga-generated revenues are estimated to hit $3.3 billion this year, up from $1 billion in 2001.