Yoga on the rise in Iowa City

BY NOELLE ALKHAWAJA | MARCH 10, 2015 5:00 AM

Yoga participation is on the rise.

In fact, in 2012, 9.5 percent of adults and 3.1 percent of children participated in yoga in the United States nearly 23 million people were practicing yoga at the time according to a recent study published by the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease and Prevention.

One local businesswoman and yoga advocate said she believes its popularity is increasing in Iowa City.

Do I think more people are being exposed to yoga? Absolutely, said yoga instructor Maureen Mondanaro, the owner of Hot House, 224 S. Clinton St. We get letters here weekly from students just talking about whatever their story is and letting us know how profound of an effect the practice has on them.

University of Iowa students and staff said they receive physical- and mental-health benefits from the activity.

Were at a pivotal time in human existence, where things are changing, said UI sophomore Will Lovendahl, a yoga participant. Its about redefining what happiness is and getting rid of your stress.

Lovendahl was introduced to yoga in an entrepreneurship and innovation class taught by Lecturer Joe Sulentic.

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Yoga on the rise in Iowa City