MARQUETTE -- Yoga's popularity in the U.P. has been growing rapidly in the last several years.  In fact, at Marquette's YMCA, they've just added two more classes.

But why the sudden yoga boom?  Instructor Jane Fons credits our busy lifestyles.

"I believe people are looking to find a more calm, a more calming practice of fitness versus a more rigorous because of our daily lifestyles," said Fons.

Yoga has been used to help eliminate stress, but it's just catching on as a good physical workout.

Integrated health psychologist Dr. Heather Dermyer uses it to treat a range of patients, including hard-core athletes she trains for the USOEC.

"I'm working with weight lifters, speed skaters, women's freestyle wrestling and men's greco roman wrestling," she said.  "We work towards reducing performance-related anxiety and stress and cultivating concentration and focus."

Dr. Dermyer conducted a randomized clinical trial that explored the effects of yoga programs.

Research has demonstrated that yoga reduces a range of health ailments, from anxiety to even cancer.  Experts say it's so successful in treatment because it incorporates experiential learning--it teaches people how to care for themselves by doing just that.

Dr. Dermyer believes more clinical trials are needed to explore the full benefits of yoga, and she predicts that will lead to even greater popularity for yoga in the future.