Yoga Charts – Participation Across Age Groups
Yoga has exploded in popularity across America, becoming a fitness staple for millions. Still, not everyone rolls out their mat with the same enthusiasm. Take a peek into any yoga class and you’ll notice some age groups flocking more than others.
Surveys have found that young adults seem to dig yoga the most, with participation dropping off around middle age. Teens and older folks are getting into it more too, though not at the same rates as twenty-somethings.
These differences are interesting to explore. They can provide clues about what prevents or inspires interest in yoga during different life phases. Understanding where yoga resonates can help with outreach to new demographics who could benefit.
It also shows how to better tailor yoga programming by life stage – from accommodating creaky joints to reducing teen stress.
Ultimately, yoga’s flexibility to nurture body, mind and spirit across the years is unique. Recognizing how involvement fluctuates by age allows us to build strong yoga communities across generations. So we can all unwind and say “om” in ways that work best for our changing needs. Namaste!
Yoga Participation Across Age Groups
Yoga has grown increasingly popular as a fitness activity and mind-body practice in the United States. But how does yoga participation differ across age groups? Surveys and research provide some insights into how involvement in yoga trends by age.
Overall, yoga appeals most to younger adults, with participation declining steadily after middle age. Teens and older adults are also increasingly taking up the practice.
Chart – Yoga Practitioners by Age
Here is a Breakdown of Yoga Participation by Age
Kids (6-12)
Yoga participation for kids 6-12 stands at around 3% (2). Yoga instruction teaches body awareness, coordination, and behavioral self-regulation.
But many children first experience yoga in school gyms, leading to a need for more immersive kids yoga programs. Enabling hands-on learning and cultural education around yoga could boost enthusiasm.
Teens (13-17)
14% of teens aged 13-17 now practice yoga according to Yoga Alliance’s 2019 survey (2). Pressure from school and social media make yoga’s stress-reduction very attractive to teens.
Yoga workshops aimed at teens provide a social component as well. But expensive studio fees often deter teen participation, pointing to a need for lower-cost options.
18-24 year olds
This age group comprises 14% of yoga practitioners according to Yoga Journal’s 2016 survey (1). As yoga is often part of college fitness regimens, participation is high among young adults. Yoga classes are widely available on college campuses, either as part of fitness programs or academic curriculum.
The popularity stems from yoga’s ability to relieve stress and improve flexibility – two major concerns for college students facing academic pressure, relationships, and planning for their futures after graduation. Yoga also appeals as a social activity to meet new people.
The availability of free or discounted yoga classes through student recreation centers makes yoga more accessible. However, the transition out of college can lead to a drop-off in participation if affordable community yoga studios are not as readily available.
25-34 year olds
With career, relationships, and families starting, adults 25-34 face high stress. Yoga serves as an appealing way to exercise and unwind, likely contributing to this age group’s 26% participation rate (1) – the highest of any age bracket.
Busy work schedules and financial limitations may prevent more young adults from taking up yoga. Many studios cater towards this demographic by offering flexible class packages, discounted introductory deals, and mixing yoga with social events.
Apps and YouTube also make yoga more accessible for time-pressed millennials. But the high cost of studio classes remains a barrier. Outreach about the mental health benefits of yoga could further drive participation among adults facing new life stages.
35-44 year olds
Older millennial and young Gen X adults maintain relatively high yoga participation at 22% (1). But the time commitments of growing families and careers may make it difficult to match the participation rates of younger adults.
This points to a need for yoga targeted at families, such as parent-child classes or kids yoga programs to introduce children to the practice. The availability of flexible time slots is important for busy parents along with workplace yoga programs.
Promoting yoga’s benefits in providing mental calm and quality family time could further motivate participation.
45-54 year olds
As adults settle into middle age, participation drops to 12% for the 45-54 age bracket (1). This first major decrease compared to younger demographics can be attributed to several factors. Career demands typically peak in the 40s and 50s, limiting free time for yoga practice.
Remaining physically active also becomes more challenging with age-related changes and injuries becoming more common. The Yoga Alliance Foundation suggests this is a major contributor to reduced participation rates for older adults.
Additionally, family obligations like college tuition may take priority over yoga studio memberships or class fees.
However, the mental and physical benefits of yoga may resonate with midlife adults seeking relief from stress and musculoskeletal issues aggravated by sedentary work. Outreach explaining yoga’s therapeutic potential could motivate participation.
Midlife adults may also be drawn to yoga as low-impact activity suitable when joints no longer tolerate high intensity sports. Providing appropriate modifications from instructors trained to accommodate injuries and conditions associated with aging can help make yoga accessible.
Classes offered outside 9-5 work hours cater better to established professionals as well. Lastly, workplace yoga programs allow busy mid-career adults to incorporate yoga into their day. With tailored messaging and programing, the 45-54 demographic remains a key target for boosting participation.
55-64 year olds
Yoga participation drops to 10% for adults aged 55-64 (1). Approaching retirement age, this demographic begins curtailing more vigorous physical activities. Concerns about ability to keep up with the poses or social discomfort may prevent participation even though yoga can help maintain flexibility.
Targeted yoga programs for this age group could boost involvement.
65+ year olds
Only 5% of yoga practitioners are over 65 (1). Retirement leads to more free time, but limitations in mobility and balance can deter seniors from starting yoga.
However, yoga tailored for the 65+ crowd is growing as studies demonstrate yoga’s benefits for strength, balance, and reducing risk of injury from falls. Accessible and adaptive yoga shows promise for better serving this demographic.
Chart – Yoga Practitioners Comparison by Age Group
Chart – The Top 5 Reasons to Start Yoga
Looking to try yoga but not sure if it’s for you? Here are the top 5 reasons people get started with this popular mind-body practice:
- Flexibility (61% cited this as a motivator) Yoga is fantastic for improving range of motion and reducing stiffness. The stretches and poses lengthen muscles and joints, enhancing overall mobility.
- Stress relief (56%) Yoga calms both body and mind. The focused breathing and movement build resilience against daily stressors.
- General fitness (49%) Yoga provides a gentle but effective all-around workout. Classes build strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
- Improve overall health (49%) The combination of physical activity and mental relaxation boosts overall wellbeing. Yoga supports healthy lifestyle changes.
- Physical fitness (44%) In addition to flexibility, yoga sculpts muscle tone and endurance. The varied poses work all muscle groups.
So if you want to stretch more, destress, get fit and enhance health, yoga can help you meet those goals. Millions already enjoy yoga’s benefits – give it a try for yourself!
Sources:
1. 2016 Yoga in America Study, Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance
2. Yoga Statistics and Facts - Schmiggy.com
