Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Yoga is a mind-body activity that has grown in popularity over the past several decades in the United States and Canada. Originally, yoga was practiced by only men in India, but as it came to the West it became especially popular with women. In recent years though, more Western men have begun to practice yoga, but little research is known on the difference in benefits and challenges associated with practicing yoga today in the United States and Canada. This study surveyed 700 adults who regularly practice yoga and included a sample with 40% male participants and 60% female participants. While both men and women practice to improve flexibility and relaxation, women were more likely to report the benefits of strength, clearer skin, weight loss, and. Women who practiced hot yoga were more likely then men to report the adverse outcomes of confusion, dizziness, and dehydration. Men were less likely to believe yoga is a spiritual activity, and practiced primarily to improve flexibility and relaxation.