Barriers and motivators to yoga practice: A comparison of men and women across levels of engagement.

purposeThis study examines barriers and motivators for yoga practice among men vs. women at different levels of yoga practice frequency (regular, infrequent, and non-practicing). The study also explores potential shifts in the prevalence and location (online vs. in-studio/gym) of yoga practice in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

methods351 undergraduates in the Northeastern United States (50% men, mean age = 18.75) completed an online survey in April 2022.

resultsAmong men who did not practice yoga, lack of interest was the primary barrier to engagement (47%), followed by a preference for other forms of exercise (22%), and lack of time (20%). For women who did not practice, lack of time was the primary barrier (47%), followed by a lack of interest (20%), and a preference for other forms of exercise (11%). Across practitioner status, women tended to cite more emotional motivators for engagement in yoga (e.g., relaxation or calming, mental health) while men were more likely to cite physical motivators (flexibility, physical fitness, injury prevention). Many participants (41%) who reported practicing in the past six months began practicing after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Few indivdiuls who practiced prior to the pandemic reported changes in the location of their practice before and after the-COVID-19 lockdowns. DISCUSSION: While men and women cited similar barriers and motivators, differences were observed in the factors that were most salient for these groups. Findings can inform the creation of targeted interventions to address barriers and increase engagement in yoga generally and particularly among men.