35% youth in corporate sector prefers Yoga to other fitness trends: Survey

Majority of the respondents favouring yoga said that following the ancient practice has helped them with positive outcomes like improved social-emotional skills, highlighted the survey conducted by ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation ahead of 4th International Yoga Day celebrated on June 21 worldwide.

Gym and body weight training is the second most preferred fitness trend said about 30 per cent of the total respondents followed by zumba and other dance workouts (20 per cent), aquatic therapy (10 per cent), kickboxing and others (5 per cent). Most men prefer going to gym while women prefer dance workouts to stay in shape and keep oneself fit.

The ASSOCHAM random survey is based upon an interaction with about 1,000 employees (age group 25-35 years) in about 100 small, mid-size and large organizations across various industry sectors – aviation, automobile, BPO (business process outsourcing), FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), retail, IT, ITeS & telecom, oil & gas, pharma, banking, finance, services, insurance, travel, hospitality, infrastructure and others during the last fortnight (June 1-15).

“Yoga teaches universal values that are often referred to as life skills, it helps enhance social and self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and leads to responsible decision-making,” said D.S. Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the findings of the chamber’s survey.

“Yoga can help us be at peace with ourselves as it is not just a form of physical exercise but it is a power that helps us lead a peaceful life,” said Mr Rawat.

Survey highlights:

•          1,000 men and women (equal number) surveyed in corporate offices across different sectors in 10 cities – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai during a fortnight.
•          600 of the total respondents said they are concerned about their health and thus follow some or the other fitness trend. Majority of these (350) said they prefer yoga over other fitness trends.
•          Many of these yoga practitioners said that regular yoga practice made them mentally stronger and gave them strength to face challenges. Yoga has helped them with benefits of good health and positive thoughts. Besides yoga also helped many in terms of improved immunity.
•          Some even said that they keep a check on their diet thereby adding an adequate amount of high-fibre, protein, carbohydrates and fat.
•          Many suggested that yoga can be incorporated in one’s daily routines merely by making certain modifications to their lifestyle and following a balanced diet.
•          Of those preferring gym and other modern fitness trends like dance workouts said that it gives quick results compared to yoga. Besides, it also helps them get in good shape and helps them gain strength.