Why Yoga Could Be More Inclusive — and Why It Matters
Yoga is growing as a movement for physical and mental wellness across the U.S., with about 17% of adults practicing it regularly. But the experience of yoga in many urban studios, including here in Washington, D.C., still shows a clear disconnect between what the practice is and who it currently serves. (source: CDC)
The Gender Gap in Yoga Culture
National data shows that women are more than twice as likely as men to participate in yoga — roughly 23% of women compared to about 10% of men in the U.S. practice yoga (source: CDC). This disparity shows up in the studio room too: many classes are majority female, and most instructors reflect that demographic.
That isn’t inherently bad. Yoga should be inclusive to everyone, but it is worth examining how this shapes the environment and expectations in class. When the culture of a class skew heavily toward one group, other practitioners (like men or athletes used to strength or mobility training) can feel out of place or underserved.
Accessibility vs. “Advanced” Movements
In my own practice, I noticed something important:
Many classes assume a level of mobility that newcomers or bodies conditioned by lifting, running, or martial training simply don’t have yet. Teachers often move quickly through postures or don’t emphasize the basics of using props like blocks and straps — tools designed precisely to make poses safe and accessible. When props aren’t presented as useful and encouraged, students can feel like they’re failing at yoga rather than approaching it intelligently.
The result? Folks who would benefit most from yoga for mobility, balance, and recovery can walk away feeling confused instead of empowered. That’s how I felt early in my practice.
Men, Mobility, and the Need for Inclusive Teaching
Research shows that one of the key barriers to men adopting yoga is not just social perception, but a lack of male role models and inclusive teaching that speaks to their experience patterns (source: research.usq.edu.au). Men are more likely to take up yoga when encouraged by trusted others and instructors who understand diverse bodies and movement histories, not when yoga feels like something reserved for already-flexible, “advanced” practitioners.
This isn’t just about attendance — it’s about why people walk into that room in the first place. And it’s why more men teaching yoga, more cues tailored toward mobility and strength integration, and a basic embrace of props would make the practice more welcoming and sustainable.
Keeping Personal Beliefs Out of the Studio
One more thing I’ve noticed in DC yoga spaces? Sometimes personal or political beliefs can creep into class culture in ways that make some practitioners uncomfortable.
I want yoga to feel like a neutral space for growth, where people come to observe their bodies and minds, not to be judged or proselytized. Yoga can be a place of connection and healing — but only when the focus stays on practice and accessibility for all.
Why This Matters
Yoga has immense benefits for mental health, mobility, and recovery. Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or are simply trying to move and breathe more effectively in a stressful place like Washington, D.C. Yet the stereotype of yoga as a practice that’s either “too advanced” or “primarily for women” keeps some people, especially men, from stepping onto a mat at all.
By broadening how we approach yoga instruction, uplifting diverse teachers, and making space for different body types and experiences, we can help more people find a sustainable, fulfilling practice that supports them — on and off the mat.
