International Yoga Day Survey: 35% Youth in Corporate Sector Prefer Yoga to Other Fitness Trends

Team L&M

On the eve of International Yoga Day, a random survey conducted by the ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation reveals that yoga is not just a fitness trend but a powerful tool for improving mental strength, immunity, and social-emotional well-being.

If you are looking to feel mentally stronger and better equipped to handle life’s challenges, regular practice of Yoga may be the answer.

Yoga Gains Popularity Among Corporate Professionals

According to the survey, nearly 35% of fitness enthusiasts in India’s corporate sector prefer yoga over other fitness activities such as:

• Strength and bodyweight training
• Aquatic therapy
• Kickboxing
• Pilates
• Zumba and dance workouts

Gym and bodyweight training rank second with about 30% preference, followed by dance workouts (20%), aquatic therapy (10%), and kickboxing (5%).

Interestingly, the survey highlights a gender-based trend:

• Men tend to prefer gym workouts
• Women lean towards dance-based fitness routines

Survey Methodology and Coverage

The ASSOCHAM survey was based on interactions with 1,000 employees aged 25–35 years across approximately 100 organisations spanning multiple sectors, including:

• Aviation
• Automobile
• BPO
• FMCG
• IT & telecom
• Banking and finance
• Healthcare and pharma
• Hospitality and infrastructure

The study covered 10 major cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai, conducted over a fortnight (June 1–15).

Yoga Improves Mental Strength and Emotional Skills

A majority of respondents who prefer yoga reported positive social-emotional outcomes, including:

• Enhanced self-awareness
• Better emotional regulation
• Improved relationship skills
• Responsible decision-making

“Yoga teaches universal values that are often referred to as life skills,” said DS Rawat while releasing the findings.

He added, “Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a powerful practice that helps us achieve inner peace and lead a balanced life.”

Key Health Benefits Reported by Participants

Out of 1,000 respondents, 600 individuals said they actively follow a fitness routine, and among them, 350 preferred yoga.

Participants highlighted several benefits of regular yoga practice:

• Increased mental strength and resilience
• Improved ability to handle stress and challenges
• Better overall health and immunity
• Positive thinking and emotional balance

Many respondents also reported adopting healthier dietary habits, including balanced intake of fibre, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Yoga vs Modern Fitness Trends

While yoga offers long-term mental and physical benefits, some respondents who prefer gym workouts and dance-based fitness routines believe these methods deliver quicker visible results, such as improved body shape and strength.

However, experts suggest that yoga can be easily integrated into daily life with minor lifestyle changes, making it a sustainable and holistic wellness practice.

The ASSOCHAM survey reinforces the growing relevance of yoga in modern lifestyles—especially among young professionals. Beyond physical fitness, yoga contributes significantly to mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and overall health.

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day, it may be the perfect time to embrace yoga—not just as an exercise, but as a way of life.