The Yoga in the World study is a first-of-its-kind research effort, examining various aspects of the practice and profession. The study aims not only to provide an updated panorama of the global yoga community but also to uncover existing perceptions, key demographic data, and shed light on societal and economic barriers limiting access to the practice.

Study Overview

In 2022, Yoga Alliance commissioned a global survey and national focus groups aimed at gathering insight into yoga participation and practices across various audiences.

The “Yoga in the World” study is the first of an on-going series of research efforts by Yoga Alliance to benchmark and track not only yoga trends around the globe, but public perception and barriers that prevent individuals from practicing yoga.

Building on the organization’s 2016 survey of “Yoga in America” (focused on the United States), Yoga Alliance recognized the need to expand its research to more fully understand how to increase the accessibility of yoga globally.

Conducted in collaboration with Sensis, a partner organization, a comprehensive global survey targeted yoga practitioners and the general population in 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, Chile, China, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates. Teachers and studio owners were also surveyed in the U.S., U.K, Brazil, and Germany.

Eleven focus groups were also conducted in the United States fielded by partner organization Ebony Marketing Systems, to understand yoga participation among Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities.

View Executive Summary

Yoga in the United States

An 11-part qualitative focus group study was conducted to explore the real-life experiences of individuals from Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities, including those who practice yoga and those who do not. The objective was to gain insights into their perceptions of yoga, identify barriers influencing their decision to practice, and explore strategies for reducing these barriers.

To create the most holistic snapshot of the yoga landscape in the States, the survey targeted specific audiences, including practitioners, teachers, studio owners, and the general population. Many questions were retained from previous Yoga in America surveys to provide comparison data and track the change in perception and behavior. Additional demographic data was captured for the first time to determine who does and does not have access to yoga and better understand barriers to practicing.

Yoga in the World

For the first time, Yoga Alliance's survey extended beyond the U.S., gathering first-of-its-kind data across nine additional countries. In the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Germany, data was captured across all four audience groups. In Chile, China, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and United Arab Emirates, data was captured on practitioners and the general public.

View Key insights across surveyed countries:

India

One pager with key insights and findings coming soon.

United Kingdom

One pager with key insights and findings coming soon.

In the News

• First of Its Kind Global Study of Yoga Reveals Stress Management and Mental Health are Driving Growing Interest and Participation, Yet Many Underserved Communities Are Largely Left Out | View Press Release

For the Media

• Click here for media assets.
• For media and press inquiries contact: Toni Carey, Head of Strategic Communications media@yogaalliance.org.

Upcoming Event

Join us on January 30, 2024, for a virtual event that will examine top-level findings from our first-of-its-kind global study.

This special event is hosted by Toni Carey, Head of Strategic Communications at Yoga Alliance. Attendees will receive a guided overview of the most compelling research insights, with specific focus on the motivations and perceptions of yoga practitioners worldwide. Reserve your spot now!

This event is currently open to active Yoga Alliance members only.

Register here