Men are likely to practice yoga when they are supported and encouraged by their family, friends, and partners

22 Apr 2026

Despite the growing popularity of yoga, men remain underrepresented in yoga classes and activities. This research aimed to investigate the factors that encourage or discourage men from practicing yoga, shed light on this gender disparity, and identify strategies to boost male participation. The study employed focus group discussions and individual interviews with both male and female yoga practitioners to examine the barriers and facilitators influencing men’s involvement in yoga. Through thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: (a) the role of encouragement and support from close relationships, (b) addressing gender-related perceptions and challenges, and (c) recognizing the benefits of yoga practice.

The findings revealed that men were more inclined to adopt yoga when they received support and encouragement from their social circle, including family members, friends, and partners. During their yoga journey, men often had to confront societal perceptions that yoga primarily requires flexibility and is predominantly practiced by women. However, these misconceptions often dissipated once they experienced the multifaceted benefits of yoga firsthand.

The article proposes several approaches to overcome these barriers, such as increasing the visibility of male yoga practitioners, tailoring marketing strategies to appeal to a male audience, offering classes that cater to beginners and address common concerns, and educating men about the diverse benefits of yoga, including improvements in strength and flexibility.

The study contributes to a broader understanding of gender dynamics in health and fitness practices, offering valuable insights for yoga instructors, studio owners, and health professionals to promote more balanced gender participation in yoga. It contributes significantly to understanding gender dynamics in physical activity and promoting inclusivity in health practices in general. The findings advocate for a more inclusive approach to health promotion that recognizes the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups, particularly men.

Authors: Jonathan Y. Cagas (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland | Department of Sports Science, University of the Philippines Diliman | Department of Human Kinetics, University of the Philippines Mindanao), Stuart J. H. Biddle (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland), Oscar Castro (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland | Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise), and Ineke Vergeer (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883241298663

Men are likely to practice yoga when they are supported and encouraged by their family, friends, and partners

Despite the growing popularity of yoga, men remain underrepresented in yoga classes and activities. This research aimed to investigate the factors that encourage or discourage men from practicing yoga, shed light on this gender disparity, and identify strategies to boost male participation. The study employed focus group discussions and individual interviews with both male and female yoga practitioners to examine the barriers and facilitators influencing men’s involvement in yoga. Through thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: (a) the role of encouragement and support from close relationships, (b) addressing gender-related perceptions and challenges, and (c) recognizing the benefits of yoga practice.

The findings revealed that men were more inclined to adopt yoga when they received support and encouragement from their social circle, including family members, friends, and partners. During their yoga journey, men often had to confront societal perceptions that yoga primarily requires flexibility and is predominantly practiced by women. However, these misconceptions often dissipated once they experienced the multifaceted benefits of yoga firsthand.

The article proposes several approaches to overcome these barriers, such as increasing the visibility of male yoga practitioners, tailoring marketing strategies to appeal to a male audience, offering classes that cater to beginners and address common concerns, and educating men about the diverse benefits of yoga, including improvements in strength and flexibility.

The study contributes to a broader understanding of gender dynamics in health and fitness practices, offering valuable insights for yoga instructors, studio owners, and health professionals to promote more balanced gender participation in yoga. It contributes significantly to understanding gender dynamics in physical activity and promoting inclusivity in health practices in general. The findings advocate for a more inclusive approach to health promotion that recognizes the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups, particularly men.

Authors: Jonathan Y. Cagas (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland | Department of Sports Science, University of the Philippines Diliman | Department of Human Kinetics, University of the Philippines Mindanao), Stuart J. H. Biddle (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland), Oscar Castro (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland | Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise), and Ineke Vergeer (Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883241298663