Revealed: Here’s why only 2% of men practise yoga

It’s a spiritual exercise linked to health, balance and relaxation benefits but only 2% of men are keen to give it a go. Here’s why.

YOGA BARRIERS: University of Southern Queensland PhD student Jonathan Cagas (right) is leading research into what deters men from taking more yoga classes.

It’s a spiritual form of exercise and meditation that is used worldwide to achieve optimum health, balance and relaxation.

Yet new research shows just 2% of Australian men are practising yoga – a contrast to the 11% of women choosing to sit in lotus position.

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) PhD student Jonathan Cagas is leading a research project that explores barriers that may be causing low participation rates of men in yoga.

“The common perception among men is yoga is something only women do because they see classes made up of almost entirely women or they think yoga is not ‘manly’ or challenging enough,” Mr Cagas said.

“These are the main reasons why men are quite under-represented in yoga, but our research has found there may be other factors as to why they don’t get involved or don’t want to get involved.

“These insights have allowed us to identify some potential strategies and initiatives that could help men overcome these barriers and increase the uptake of yoga and continued participation among men.”

YOGA BARRIERS: University of Southern Queensland PhD student Jonathan Cagas (right) is leading research into what deters men from taking more yoga classes.

Moving from the Philippines to call Australia home and pursue his doctoral studies, Mr Cagas said one of the key findings was that some men are unaware there are different styles of yoga.

“There are styles that focus on relaxation or the restorative aspect of yoga, but there are also types that are physically challenging,” he said.

“On top of this, most yoga marketing and classes are geared towards women which make men feel like they don’t fit in.

“Tailoring programs and promotions that meet the different needs and interests of men could draw more men into yoga and encourage continued participation which is essential in gaining the long-term benefits of yoga.”

Monday was International Day of Yoga – a worldwide event that saw USQ’s Centre for Health Research director Professor Stuart Biddle encourage blokes to step out of their comfort zones.

“The evidence is very strong that yoga is extremely beneficial for physical and mental health and possibly even spiritual, but it’s more than that,” Professor Biddle said.

“It’s what we call a holistic movement practice as it engages not only the physical body, but also offers opportunities to engage other elements of holistic wellbeing, like connecting mind, body and breathing.

“The message of yoga in promoting both the physical and mental wellbeing of people has never been more relevant with the COVID-19 pandemic still having an impact on many people’s lives.”