There are 15.8 million adult practitioners in the United States, according to “Yoga Journal’s” Yoga in America study.

Tricia Porter, a co-founder and co-owner of Empower Yoga Studio in North Beverly, opened in March 2004, starting with 14 classes a week, one morning and one evening class.

Yoga is in bloom on the North Shore. You can get your asana practice on at Salem State College, Deveraux beach in Marblehead, and even at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem or on the ocean in Beverly.

“Now, we are up to 35 classes, averaging 75 to 100 people a day — multiply that by seven days a week,” said Porter. “The interest is still growing, we are adding two more beginner classes.”

The “Yoga Journal” study also revealed Americans spend almost $6 billion a year in yoga-associated costs: classes, equipment and clothing — an estimated 87 percent jump from 2004.

On The North Shore, that translates into growth for such companies as Canadian based Lululemon Athletica, one of the world’s fastest developing yoga-inspired apparel clothing companies, that opened a retail store in Burlington in 2007 and now has dealers in Beverly, Marblehead and Newburyport, with more in the works.

“But now I am looking to slow down, practice more breathing techniques and explore meditation,” Manganiello said.

Patty Loynd, a eight-year yoga practitioner at Healthworks in Salem, loves power yoga.

By 2012, Lululemon plans to have 250 stores worldwide, up from 80 to date.

At Empower in Beverly, Porter welcomes newcomers and experienced yogis alike.

“I love when students come to class, because they are excited and curious to learn something new. I can tell by the look in their eyes when they leave, that they have discovered something special in yoga and themselves. I know that yoga changed my life,” Porter said. “Practicing helped me overcome many obstacles. I can’t believe I get paid to teach yoga using yoga mats to such receptive, open and appreciative people.”

There are various styles of yoga represented on the North Shore. Nancy Manganiello of Swampscott used to practice Bikrams yoga four times a week for 21 years.