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Raleigh studio: Yoga attracting men, people of all ages

Yoga is becoming more popular for men and women across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Yoga.

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By
Rick Armstrong, producer,
and
Kathryn Brown, anchor/reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Yoga is becoming more popular for men and women across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Yoba Studio in north Raleigh, owner Samantha Williams confirms she has noticed the growing interest in yoga.

"We have a joke here that yoga has saved us all," Williams said. "But I just think the feeling that you have whenever you walk out of this classroom -- it's almost indescribable."

According to a CDC survey, yoga is the most popular complimentary health practice, with more than 35 million people taking part.

"It's given me so much more mental clarity -- I feel better just physically," said Liv Jorgenson, who practices yoga at Yoba.

Nationally, women are more likely than men to join yoga classes, but Yoba co-owner Chris Young said that's changing.

"Guys are starting to figure out that, hey, I can come to do yoga, and I can compliment my running, I can compliment my weight lifting, I can compliment the cross-fit workout," Young said.

CDC data shows yoga helps calm stress and chronic pain.

"It helps calm the immune system, keeps us healthier -- there's so many wonderful benefits," said Judi Bar with the Cleveland Clinic.

Bar recommends people find the type of yoga class that fits them.

Yoba specializes in barre yoga and hot yoga, which uses infra-red or dry heat.

According to Williams, different forms of the exercise offer something for people of all ages and abilities.

"We focus on a lot of mobility work and we have every age here," she said. "Our youngest client is 14 -- and we go up to 80."

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