One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding yoga today is that it is somehow a “women’s activity.” Walk into many urban yoga studios, and the classes may indeed be dominated by women. Social media feeds are flooded with images of women performing advanced yoga postures. This visual perception, however, has little to do with the true origins, philosophy, or purpose of yoga.
Yoga is not gender-specific. It never was.
In fact, for centuries, yoga was developed, taught, and practiced almost exclusively by men. Ancient sages, rishis, ascetics, and spiritual seekers across Bharat dedicated their lives to mastering the science of yoga. The foundational principles of breath control, flexibility, balance, concentration, and self-awareness were never designed for a particular gender. They were intended to help human beings achieve harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
The modern misconception has emerged largely because yoga underwent a transformation during the twentieth century, particularly in the West. As yoga expanded beyond its spiritual roots and became associated with wellness, fitness, stress management, and lifestyle improvement, it attracted a larger female demographic. Gradually, many people began to view yoga as a predominantly female activity.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The global recognition of yoga received a massive boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in 2014. The proposal received overwhelming support from member nations, and the UN declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since then, millions across the world have embraced yoga not merely as an exercise but as a holistic system for physical and mental well-being.
What makes yoga truly unique is its universality.
Unlike many forms of physical training that focus primarily on building muscles or improving endurance, yoga simultaneously develops strength, flexibility, balance, breathing efficiency, and mental resilience. Whether one is a professional athlete, a corporate executive, a homemaker, a student, or a senior citizen, yoga offers benefits that transcend age, profession, and gender.
The physical benefits alone are substantial. Regular practice improves posture, strengthens the core, enhances mobility, and reduces the risk of injuries. These are advantages that every individual requires. Men often assume that flexibility training is secondary to strength training, only to discover later that poor mobility contributes to chronic pain and reduced athletic performance. Yoga addresses precisely these shortcomings.
Many men who initially dismiss yoga as “too easy” are often surprised by the demands of styles such as Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, or Hot Yoga. These disciplines require remarkable stamina, strength, concentration, and self-control. Several elite athletes across sports now incorporate yoga into their training routines to improve recovery, mobility, and mental focus.
The mental and emotional benefits are equally significant.
Modern life is increasingly stressful. Long working hours, digital overload, career pressures, and personal responsibilities have created an epidemic of anxiety and burnout. Yoga’s emphasis on controlled breathing and mindfulness helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and improve emotional balance. In an era where mental health challenges are becoming more common, yoga provides a practical and accessible solution.
Women, too, have discovered immense value in yoga. It helps improve flexibility, posture, stress management, and overall wellness. Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has frequently credited yoga for helping her maintain physical fitness and mental calm amidst the demands of a highly competitive profession. Similar testimonials can be found from millions of practitioners worldwide.
Yet the real lesson is not whether yoga benefits men or women more. The lesson is that yoga benefits everyone.
Yoga does not discriminate. It does not care about age, gender, profession, religion, or nationality. It is a scientific and time-tested discipline that has survived thousands of years because its benefits are universal.
As the world prepares to celebrate another International Day of Yoga, perhaps it is time to discard outdated stereotypes. Yoga is neither masculine nor feminine. It is simply one of Bharat’s greatest gifts to humanity—a practice that enables every individual to become physically stronger, mentally calmer, and spiritually richer.
That is why yoga belongs to all of us. Hence, I as a karyakarta of BJP appeal to young girl students and working women to come in big numbers to make the World Yoga Day as a grand success.
