Introduction
Modern militaries around the world are increasingly incorporating yoga into their training, rehabilitation, and wellness programs. Long valued as a practice for flexibility, stress relief, and mind-body discipline, yoga is now being used by soldiers—from new recruits to special forces operators—to enhance physical fitness and mental resilience. This report surveys how yoga is applied in military settings across different countries, examines its role in physical training and injury prevention, explores its benefits for mental health (including PTSD and stress management), highlights historical links between yoga and warrior traditions, and profiles notable yoga programs serving active-duty personnel and veterans. The evidence, both anecdotal and scientific, shows that yoga has become a valuable tool for armed forces in improving performance and well-being. Key military organizations (such as the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs) now recognize yoga as a complementary practice, and dedicated programs have emerged to bring yoga’s benefits to service members and veterans.
Yoga in Modern Military Forces Worldwide
United States
In the U.S. military, yoga has evolved from a niche activity into a broadly accepted practice for both training and therapy. As early as 2011, the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) proposed overhauling its fitness program to include yoga and other functional fitness elements . The rationale was that conventional training made soldiers strong but often inflexible and injury-prone, whereas yoga could improve flexibility and balance to prevent injuries . Elite units were early adopters – even U.S. Navy SEALs began practicing yoga in the 2000s to cultivate stealth, calm, and focus in high-stress missions. Some SEALs pioneered hybrid “combat yoga” styles blending yoga with martial training . By the 2010s, optional yoga classes were popping up on many bases and Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) for wounded soldiers. An Army news article in 2010 noted that yoga sessions had become “staples of training and treatment” at bases like Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson, and Fort Meade . The U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps have also integrated yoga and mindfulness into certain training curricula and resilience programs in recent years.
Today, yoga is used in the U.S. military in several ways. During basic training and unit physical training (PT), yoga-based stretches often appear in warm-ups and cool-downs to improve mobility. Some Army units have offered morning yoga sessions for soldiers as part of the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which emphasizes functional fitness and injury prevention. The Army’s Soldier Recovery Units (formerly WTUs) regularly include yoga in adaptive reconditioning for injured personnel. For example, at Fort Bragg’s Soldier Recovery Unit, a new yoga program launched in 2020 to help injured soldiers regain flexibility and recover faster . Trained instructors adapt poses for those with amputations, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or other limitations. Even deployed troops have access to yoga: instructors like Army veteran Joan Benitez (with the nonprofit Warriors at Ease) have taught classes to units via video conference, and deployed service members have reported reduced anxiety and better sleep from practicing yoga in theater .
India
In India, the birthplace of yoga, the armed forces have fully embraced the practice in recent years as a core component of fitness. Since the United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga (on India’s initiative in 2014), the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have all integrated yoga into daily routines . Initially, there was resistance to fitting yoga into a packed training schedule focused on conventional drills and sports . However, once large-scale yoga sessions were organized in 2015, the military’s attitude shifted. The Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) rapidly trained instructors in yoga techniques, and yoga began to be taught on parade grounds and training areas nationwide .
Today yoga is “a way of life for the soldiers and their families” in India . Recruits and cadets at military academies practice yoga daily as part of their formal curriculum, and all Army-run schools include yoga for children . The benefits have been tangible. At the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, adding a daily yoga period in 2020 led to drastically fewer injuries among cadets and faster healing of existing injuries . Similarly, when training a new batch of 10,000 Agniveer recruits in 2022 (under a compressed training schedule), commanders insisted on including yoga; those recruits were able to overcome physical strains more quickly with yoga’s help . Beyond the training academies, soldiers stationed in extreme and high-stress environments rely on yoga to maintain wellness. Even on the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier outpost, troops use yoga practice to reduce stress and improve their mental state . The Indian Army has built yoga halls and open-air platforms at many bases, ensuring year-round access. On International Yoga Day, it’s now common to see thousands of Indian soldiers performing asanas in unison, often led by top brass – a powerful symbol of yoga’s acceptance. Indian defense leadership considers yoga a “game changer” for warfighter fitness and resilience, complementing the physical and mental demands of military service .
(Indian and U.S. troops have even shared yoga with each other during joint exercises. In the annual Indo-U.S. exercise Yudh Abhyas, Indian Army instructors lead American soldiers in yoga sessions as a form of cultural exchange and wellness training .)
United Kingdom and Other Countries
The UK Armed Forces have gradually begun to explore yoga, though adoption is more informal compared to India or the U.S. British service members can attend yoga classes on bases (often led by volunteer instructors or external teachers), and interest has been growing. The High Commission of India in London has organized yoga events with the British military on International Yoga Day. In one notable event, Royal Navy sailors participated in a yoga class on the deck of the HMS Diamond destroyer as part of a global “Ocean Ring of Yoga” initiative . Participants reported it to be a uniquely challenging but rewarding experience, and it underscored the “natural place for yoga among our soldiers, sailors and warriors,” as one instructor noted . There is recognition that yoga’s emphasis on discipline, focus, and balance aligns well with military life. A small but telling example: Britain’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) reportedly began offering yoga classes after SAS troopers saw U.S. special forces doing yoga in Iraq. According to media reports, SAS sharpshooters who practiced yoga had improved concentration and marksmanship—a “better kill ratio,” as one article put it, thanks to greater calm and breath control under pressure.
In the UK veteran community, yoga has gained traction as a therapy. Charities and groups offer free yoga to veterans for rehabilitation and mental health. For instance, Heroes at Ease (founded by Suzie Jennings in 2013) was one of the first UK programs specifically for wounded ex-servicemembers, using yoga to help those with amputations and PTSD . The UK’s Ministry of Defence has also begun acknowledging yoga and mindfulness as useful tools for personnel resilience. While not yet as institutionalized as in India or the U.S., yoga’s presence in the British military is steadily growing, with more soldiers and veterans rolling out mats to stretch and de-stress.
Other nations mirror these trends on a smaller scale. Canada’s Armed Forces and veterans’ hospitals offer trauma-informed yoga classes for those with operational stress injuries. Australia and New Zealand have seen ex-military yoga instructors launching programs for fellow veterans. Even countries like China, where traditional qigong is more common, have noted the value of yoga for military drills. Overall, from East to West, yoga is shedding any stigma of being “soft” and is being embraced by warriors as a practical regimen for mind and body.
Role of Yoga in Physical Training and Performance
Soldiers in a U.S. Army recovery unit practice a gentle cobra pose as part of a yoga-based reconditioning program. Modern military training increasingly uses yoga to improve flexibility, core strength, and mobility, thereby enhancing performance and preventing injuries.
For soldiers, physical fitness is paramount—and yoga has proven to be a valuable adjunct to standard physical training. Flexibility, balance, and core strength developed through yoga can directly improve a soldier’s functional fitness. Traditional military PT often emphasizes strength and endurance (running, push-ups, weight training), which can build muscle but sometimes at the expense of mobility. Yoga helps fill that gap. The stretching and lengthening of muscles in yoga postures counteract the tightness and strain from heavy loads and repetitive drills. Army trainers have found that regular yoga can make troops less “bulked up” and less prone to musculoskeletal injuries, by increasing joint mobility and muscle elasticity . TRADOC officials noted that many common military injuries (sprains, strains, back pain) are linked to poor flexibility – and advocated yoga as a remedy .
Another benefit is improved recovery and injury rehabilitation. In both the U.S. and Indian armies, incorporating yoga into training programs has measurably reduced injury rates. At India’s OTA Chennai, after cadets began daily yoga, commanders observed significantly fewer training injuries and faster healing of any that did occur . In the U.S., a recent randomized trial with Army basic trainees provided hard data: new soldiers who received a 10-week mindfulness and yoga program had 30% fewer medical visits for injuries during training compared to those with standard training . The yoga group also reported better overall health and less interference of pain with their duties and sleep . This study, conducted by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, concluded that adding yoga and mindfulness builds resilience under the extreme physical stress of military training, helping prevent injuries and pain-related impairments .
Yoga movements (asanas) develop core and stabilizer muscles, which is crucial for carrying heavy packs and equipment without injury. Poses like plank, warrior, and chair strengthen deep abdominal and back muscles that support the spine. One Army WTU class focused on sustained poses and planks found that the “muscle workout yoga demands can often surpass traditional calisthenics,” leading to plenty of sweat and groans from even fit soldiers . Unlike high-impact exercises, however, yoga is low-impact and joint-friendly. Soldiers can push their limits in a pose but with a lower risk of sudden injury. This makes yoga ideal for recovery days or for those rehabbing injuries. In a Warrior Transition Unit in Germany, the instructor modified yoga poses with straps and blocks to accommodate back injuries, muscle damage, or missing limbs among wounded soldiers . The result was a full-body workout that built strength and flexibility without aggravating injuries .
Balance and stability gained from yoga also translate to better performance in the field. Activities like navigating uneven terrain, fast-roping from helicopters, or aiming weapons all benefit from a strong mind-body connection. Notably, some sniper units have used yoga-based breathing and balance exercises to steady their aim. A flexible, agile soldier can move more efficiently and with less fatigue. Military fitness experts state that flexibility training through yoga doesn’t just prevent injuries; it also enhances performance and conserves energy during physically demanding tasks .
Finally, yoga’s physical practices teach body awareness. Troops learn to recognize and respect their limits, which can prevent overtraining and injuries. A recreation therapist at Fort Bragg SRU noted that through yoga, soldiers become more familiar with their bodies and can “rehabilitate more quickly by getting their flexibility back” . After a challenging yoga session, soldiers often report feeling fewer aches and an increased range of motion. One recovering Staff Sergeant remarked that yoga gave him a level of physical rest and calm, and that “at the very least [yoga] offers physical strength, flexibility, and mental calm – things you can never have too much of” .
In sum, yoga has proven its worth as part of a holistic fitness regimen for military members. By improving flexibility, strength in stabilizer muscles, and bodily awareness, it helps build more resilient and capable soldiers. It is telling that the U.S. Army’s new Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) doctrine explicitly encourages activities like yoga for injury prevention, mobility, and functional strength. Whether used in morning PT, as a cooldown stretch sequence, or as a dedicated class for injured troops, yoga is enhancing physical readiness across today’s armed forces.
Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Resilience in the Military
Beyond the physical dimension, yoga offers potent benefits for the mental health challenges that service members and veterans face. Militaries are turning to yoga (including its meditative and breathing practices) as a tool to reduce stress, build psychological resilience, and even assist in treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This marks a significant development: institutions once focused only on toughness and stoicism are now embracing yoga’s mind-calming techniques to address the invisible wounds of war.
One of the earliest and most powerful applications has been in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among combat veterans. In the mid-2000s, medical staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center began experimenting with an ancient yogic meditation practice called Yoga Nidra (or “yogic sleep”) to help soldiers suffering from severe PTSD and insomnia. Pioneering researchers Robin Carnes and Dr. Richard Miller led one of the first formal studies on this technique, finding that yoga nidra could “measurably reduce the effects of PTSD on returning war veterans.” Participants didn’t do physical poses; they simply lay in a relaxed state and were guided through breathing and body-awareness exercises. The results impressed military planners and led Carnes to co-found Warriors at Ease in 2009–2011 to train teachers in military-focused yoga therapy . Since then, yoga and mindfulness have been integrated into numerous PTSD treatment programs at VA hospitals and military clinics.
A growing body of research supports yoga’s efficacy for mental health. For example, a 2018 study published in Military Medicine found that post-9/11 veterans with PTSD who did yoga once a week experienced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, insomnia, depression, and anxiety . In 2023, a major randomized clinical trial with 131 women veterans (published in JAMA Network Open) compared trauma-sensitive yoga to conventional talk therapy (cognitive processing therapy) for PTSD related to military sexual trauma. The results showed both groups improved substantially and there was no significant difference in PTSD symptom reduction between yoga and talk therapy . In fact, the yoga group had a higher completion rate and fewer dropouts, suggesting many veterans found the yoga approach more tolerable . This indicates that trauma-informed yoga can be as effective as established psychotherapy for PTSD in some cases – a remarkable endorsement for yoga as treatment.
Physiologically, yoga and its breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to “down-regulate” the body’s stress response. Studies have documented that yoga can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and improve sleep – all critical for those dealing with chronic stress or hypervigilance. In one VA pilot program, 17 veterans with PTSD underwent 10 weeks of yoga classes. They showed statistically significant improvements in sleep quality, concentration (cognitive function), depression levels, life satisfaction, and a reduction in PTSD severity (measured by the PTSD checklist) . Many participants reported they were finally able to relax at night without medication . Another study of deployed personnel in Iraq (by an Air Force researcher) found that those who practiced yoga had reduced anxiety and better sleep, and suggested yoga might even help prevent the onset of PTSD by equipping service members with self-regulation skills .
Yoga’s meditative aspect is also a powerful stress management tool for active-duty troops. Modern battlefields and operational tempos create sustained stress that can erode mental resilience. To counter this, many militaries now teach breathing techniques and mindfulness (drawn from yoga) to enhance what they call “mental toughness” or emotional regulation. For example, U.S. Special Forces have incorporated yogic breathing (like pranayama or box-breathing) into their training to improve focus under fire. The idea is that a soldier who can control their breath and mind is less likely to panic or become overwhelmed by adrenaline. An Army Ranger described how “through the practice [of yoga], they become their own most powerful agents for anxiety control.” By practicing staying calm and present on the yoga mat, soldiers build a reserve of resilience they can draw upon in combat or other high-pressure situations.
For veterans, yoga often provides a gentle re-entry into civilian life and a way to cope with lingering psychological scars. Many veterans initially feel skeptical or out-of-place in a yoga class, but programs tailored for them create a comfortable, military-friendly environment. Instructors may use trauma-sensitive language (no forced touch or closed-eye requirements) and allow veterans to take breaks or modify poses to feel safe . They also encourage vets to express emotion if a pose triggers a memory, rather than suppressing it . This approach has enabled veterans to process trauma somatically. As one Gulf War veteran recounted, “I got on my mat and something happened… I felt a sense of peace I had not felt since before deploying. I could be in charge of this PTSD that was in charge of me for so many years” . Such testimony is common: veterans often say yoga gives them a renewed sense of control over their body and mind, reducing the helplessness that trauma can cause.
Yoga and meditation are now core offerings in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Whole Health system, which emphasizes complementary therapies. The VA formally recognizes yoga as a covered health benefit for veterans, alongside treatments like acupuncture and tai chi . Many VA medical centers host on-site yoga classes or partner with organizations to provide them. (In fact, in 2024 the VA announced a partnership with nonprofit Connected Warriors to expand free trauma-conscious yoga classes for veterans nationwide .) According to the VA’s National Center for PTSD, about 7% of U.S. veterans will experience PTSD in their lifetime – a significant population that could potentially benefit from yoga. The VA encourages vets to try practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga to manage symptoms; veterans can simply ask their local VA about available yoga programs, and most facilities will connect them to either in-person or virtual classes . Virtual classes gained importance during the COVID-19 period, allowing veterans who live far from clinics (or those uncomfortable in group settings) to participate from home. These classes cover everything from vigorous Vinyasa flows to gentle chair yoga, breathing-focused sessions, and Yoga Nidra meditation .
It’s important to note that while yoga is not a panacea, it often works best in conjunction with other treatments. Many soldiers and vets use yoga as a complementary practice alongside counseling or medication. But in some cases, it has enabled reduced reliance on medications. Dr. Daniel Libby (a psychologist and founder of Veterans Yoga Project) was inspired when one of his PTSD patients said he stopped needing sleep meds because “now I can meditate to go to sleep” . Stories like this illustrate how yoga empowers individuals with self-soothing skills. Indeed, data collected by Veterans Yoga Project from thousands of class sessions showed that over 80% of the time veterans reported decreased stress or mental distress after a yoga class, and about two-thirds reported a reduction in physical pain (on average a 30% drop in pain levels) . These real-world outcomes highlight yoga’s role in improving quality of life for those who have served.
In summary, yoga has emerged as a vital mental health resource in the military sphere. It helps active personnel cultivate focus and composure, and it aids veterans in healing the psychological wounds of war. Whether through a few minutes of mindful breathing in a combat zone or a full trauma-sensitive yoga course in a VA hospital, the practice offers a pathway to reduced stress, better sleep, improved mood, and a sense of inner peace. As one Army WTU commander put it, yoga “adds the ‘mind’ aspect to overall fitness and well-being” – an aspect that is just as crucial as physical strength for the modern warrior.
Historical Connections Between Yoga and Warrior Traditions
Yoga is often thought of as a path of peace, but it has historic ties to warrior cultures – especially in its homeland of India. In ancient India, the Kshatriya caste (the warrior and ruling class) incorporated yogic practices to enhance their battle readiness and self-discipline. It may surprise modern readers, but prior to Mahatma Gandhi’s influence framing yoga as purely non-violent, Indian warriors and leaders used yogic techniques as a way of preparing mentally for battle . The emphasis was on cultivating a focused mind, controlled breathing, and emotional equilibrium so that one could face combat with clarity and courage. The Indian epics provide mythological examples: The Bhagavad Gita depicts the archer prince Arjuna receiving a form of yogic counsel on the battlefield from Lord Krishna, learning to steady his mind and fulfill his warrior duty. Likewise, ancient manuals for warriors (such as parts of the Yoga Vasistha or certain upanisads) advised techniques akin to meditation for remaining calm and fearless in conflict.
Over the centuries, certain schools of yoga in medieval India were actually run by militant ascetics. These yogi-warriors (like the Naga Sadhus) practiced austere yoga and also trained with weapons, sometimes defending territory or accompanying armies. They believed mastery over one’s body and mind through yoga made one an invincible fighter. In the 16th–18th centuries, some Rajput and Maratha warriors were known to consult yogis for mental training techniques. Thus, the idea of a “warrior yogi” is not new – it is rooted in South Asian history.
Even in yogic symbolism, martial imagery is present. A well-known yoga pose is Virabhadrasana, the Warrior Pose, named after a mythic warrior. When yoga students hold Warrior Pose, they are encouraged to embody the “warrior mindset” – focused, resolute, and brave . The pose, with legs lunging and arms extended like holding a bow, is a physical expression of the warrior spirit harnessed through yoga. As one yoga teacher (Neil Patel) pointed out, “we even have a posture named after a soldier, Virabhadra… we get deeply into the warrior mindset, and use that spirit to fight our egos.” This reflects the philosophy that the true battle in yoga is an inner one – conquering one’s own ego, fear, and anger. Classical texts on yoga (e.g., the Bhagavad Gita or Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras) reconcile the warrior ethos with spiritual growth by teaching that sometimes righteous action (including battle) is necessary to uphold dharma (moral order), but it must be done with a yogic attitude – i.e., without hatred or ego, maintaining equanimity.
Historically, Indian martial arts also interwove with yoga. The ancient South Indian martial art Kalaripayattu included yogic stretches and breathing exercises as part of training warriors in flexibility and concentration. Practitioners of Gatka (Sikh martial art) and Shastra Vidya have similarly used meditative practices to sharpen their minds. This interplay suggests that the boundaries between a “warrior’s training” and “yoga practice” were fluid in pre-modern India.
Outside India, parallels can be drawn with other warrior cultures employing mind-body practices akin to yoga. Samurai warriors in Japan, for instance, practiced Zen meditation to calm the mind before combat. Chinese martial arts often integrate qigong (energy control through breath and movement), which is philosophically similar to yogic pranayama and asanas for cultivating internal strength. These examples underscore a common insight: the optimal warrior is not just physically trained but also mentally centered.
In modern times, this ancient intersection has come full circle with programs explicitly combining yoga and military training (sometimes under names like “Warrior Yoga”). Military yogis often invoke ancient wisdom to frame what they do. They note, for example, that in the epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna teaches the warrior Arjuna a form of yoga (the Gita’s “yoga of action”) to fulfill his duty ethically . And Patanjali’s yogic principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) is sometimes reinterpreted in military yoga contexts as advocating measured, defensive use of force to protect the innocent . Thus, some argue there is no contradiction in a soldier practicing yoga – historically, yoga was part of preparing warriors to be calm, righteous, and effective in battle, not just monks to renounce battle.
In summary, while yoga is rightly associated with peace and self-realization, it has deep historical connections to martial disciplines. Ancient warriors used yoga to gain a competitive edge in combat through superior self-mastery. Today’s soldiers who take up yoga are, perhaps unknowingly, reviving an old tradition of the warrior-yogi – striving to unite the strength of the body, the discipline of the mind, and the integrity of the spirit.
Military and Veteran-Focused Yoga Programs
Over the last two decades, numerous programs and organizations have emerged to bring yoga to military communities. Some operate on bases for active-duty personnel, while others serve veterans in civilian settings or online. Below is an overview of key military/veteran-focused yoga programs, including who runs them, their target audience, and where they operate:
| Program | Description & Leadership | Who It Serves | Where Available |
| Warriors at Ease (WAE) | Nonprofit founded ~2011 by Robin Carnes and colleagues . Trains instructors in trauma-informed, military-specific yoga and meditation. Originated at Walter Reed AMC working with wounded warriors (amputees, burn victims, PTSD) . Provides free classes to military units and staff. | Active-duty service members (including wounded, ill, and injured), veterans, military families. Also trains healthcare providers and yoga teachers in military culture competence. | United States (many bases) and international reach. WAE has trained teachers in all 50 U.S. states and 11 countries . Classes on bases (e.g. Schofield Barracks, HI ) and VA centers; also online classes. |
| Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) | Founded 2011 by Dr. Daniel Libby (clinical psychologist) . Focus on Mindful Resilience yoga practices for veterans recovering from trauma. Offers an online library of practices and trains yoga teachers in a trauma-sensitive approach for veterans . In 2022, VYP instructors delivered 4,700+ classes. Data from classes show >80% of vets report reduced stress afterward . Karen Schneider (marketing director) notes they measure pain/stress pre- and post-class to prove impact . | Veterans of all eras, their families, and caregivers. Free to participants. Also open to active-duty members in some cases. | United States (nationwide) – Provides free in-person classes at VA hospitals, vet centers, American Legion/VFW halls, etc., taught by VYP-trained instructors . Also daily online classes via Zoom . Runs yoga retreats and outreach at veteran events. |
| Connected Warriors | Established around 2010 (founded by Judy Weaver and colleagues). Offers “trauma-conscious” yoga classes at no cost to participants. Emphasizes a community-based approach and partners with VA facilities. In 2024, Connected Warriors partnered with the VA to expand class offerings for veterans as part of VA’s Whole Health initiative . Executive Director Ken Bingham reports 180,000+ class visits with zero reported suicides among participants, indicating the program’s positive impact . | Active-duty servicemembers, veterans, first responders, and their families – all at no cost . | United States and abroad – Classes in 24 U.S. states (at local yoga studios, universities, VA Medical Centers, military bases) and some international military locations. Also virtual classes. Provides mats and gear on-base as needed . Additionally offers teacher trainings (Yoga Alliance CEUs) for instructors to learn CW’s method . |
| Yoga For Vets | Informal network founded by Paul Zipes (Navy veteran and yoga teacher) to connect veterans with free yoga. Over 500 civilian yoga studios and gyms across the country have committed to provide 4 free yoga classes to any military veteran . The idea is to give veterans a risk-free chance to try yoga and “fall in love” with the practice . Yoga For Vets maintains an online directory of participating studios. | Primarily U.S. veterans (all eras). Some studios also welcome active duty or family members for free classes. | United States (nationwide) – Participating studios in most states (especially in larger cities). Veterans can find a location via the YogaForVets website . No-cost for at least 4 class sessions; some studios extend freebies or discounts beyond that. |
| VEToga | Nonprofit founded 2015 by Justin Blazejewski (a former U.S. Marine). Provides free yoga and meditation classes and also specialized teacher trainings for veterans. Based in Washington, DC, but conducts programs in multiple locations. VEToga’s training curriculum includes modules on Post-Traumatic Growth, Adaptive Yoga (for disabilities), Yoga Nidra, and full 200hr/300hr teacher certifications with a “veteran theme” . Their mission is focused on using yoga to combat veteran suicide and build community. | Veterans, active military, families, and the broader community. VEToga both serves veterans with classes and empowers veterans to become yoga teachers. | USA (multiple cities) – Centered in Washington, DC (regular classes and teacher trainings there). Has held classes/workshops in other states through veteran organizations. Some trainings and classes are offered virtually as well. Scholarships are provided to veterans for teacher training. |
| Warrior Spirit / Wounded Warrior Programs | A variety of programs by larger veteran nonprofits incorporate yoga. For instance, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) includes yoga sessions in its mental health workshops and offers a structured wellness program called Project Odyssey (a 12-week program for vets with PTSD, anxiety, or depression) that features yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities . Similarly, Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is a veterans’ fitness organization that often hosts community yoga events as part of its activities. These programs are typically run by veteran coaches or volunteers certified in yoga. | Primarily veterans (especially post-9/11 generation), though some programs also include active-duty or family. Focus on those dealing with combat stress or transitioning to civilian life. | United States (nationwide) – WWP’s Project Odyssey is offered in various regions (sometimes at retreat centers for immersive workshops). Team RWB has chapters nationwide organizing local yoga meetups. These are usually free for veterans. Some allied countries have analogous programs (e.g., Soldier On in Canada, Help for Heroes in the UK) that include yoga in their rehabilitation or sports programs for vets. |
Each of these programs shares a common understanding: that yoga and mindfulness can be life-changing for military personnel and veterans. They tailor the practice to meet the population where they are – whether that’s a deployed unit seeking stress relief, a disabled veteran learning adaptive yoga post-injury, or a military spouse coping alongside a service member. Many of the instructors in these programs are veterans themselves, which builds trust and camaraderie. As Joan Benitez (Army veteran turned Warriors at Ease teacher) described, teaching fellow soldiers gave her a new purpose and helped both her and her students heal: “They can move without judgment, heal at their own pace, and find the strength within themselves… We’re empowering them” .
Notably, these organizations often collaborate with official channels. For example, the VA might refer patients to Veterans Yoga Project classes, or active-duty bases might host Warriors at Ease workshops for unit physical training. This synergy between nonprofits and the military/VA means greater access to yoga for those who can benefit most.
The reach of such programs continues to grow. Warriors at Ease alone has trained over 1,500 instructors and reached an estimated 185,000+ veterans and family members . As awareness spreads, more service members are hearing a perhaps unexpected phrase from their leaders: “Attend the yoga class; it will do you good.” And indeed, many find it does. Commanders have reported higher unit morale and troops returning to duty in better shape (physically and mentally) after incorporating yoga . Some soldiers even start “sneaking in” to get extra sessions, as they feel the benefits .
From free classes on base gyms to virtual Zoom yoga from a living room, the available avenues ensure that current and former warriors can access the healing and strengthening aspects of yoga wherever they are. These programs are effectively building a new community – a tribe of warrior-yogis bound by shared service and shared healing.
Scientific Research and Military Endorsements of Yoga
The integration of yoga into military life has not happened on a whim – it’s backed by a growing foundation of scientific research and endorsements by military medical experts. Here we highlight some key studies and official positions that support the use of yoga for service members and veterans:
- Injury Prevention & Fitness Research: A 2023 study in the journal Frontiers in Psychology (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research) found that adding a combined yoga and mindfulness training to Army basic training led to significantly better health outcomes. New soldiers in the yoga group were 30% less likely to experience a training-related injury requiring medical attention, had fewer total injury diagnoses, and reported less pain interfering with sleep and mood . This study suggests the Army could reduce injuries and improve recruits’ resilience by implementing yoga on a broad scale. Similarly, an earlier study by the Air Force in Iraq showed yoga improved sleep and reduced anxiety for deployed personnel, hinting at prevention of stress injuries like PTSD .
- PTSD and Mental Health Studies: Multiple clinical trials have evaluated yoga for PTSD in veterans. In a 2018 Military Medicine study, veterans with PTSD who did weekly yoga for 6–8 weeks saw meaningful drops in symptom severity as well as decreased depression and better sleep . The 2023 RCT in JAMA Network Open (discussed earlier) provided high-quality evidence that trauma-sensitive yoga is as effective as a leading therapy (CPT) for PTSD in women veterans, with comparable symptom improvement and higher treatment retention . Another pilot study at the Portland VA (2021) documented improvements in PTSD symptoms, response inhibition (cognitive function), depression, and cortisol regulation after 10 sessions of yoga for veterans . The VA’s Health Services Research & Development division has noted that trauma-sensitive yoga is a viable and effective treatment for PTSD, especially for patients who prefer a body-based modality or have not had success with traditional therapies .
- Chronic Pain Management: Many veterans suffer chronic pain (often comorbid with PTSD). The VA has sponsored studies on yoga for chronic low back pain in veterans. One large trial (2017) found yoga led to greater improvement in pain-related disability compared to standard education on pain management . As a result, VA clinical guidelines now list yoga among recommended evidence-based complementary therapies for chronic pain management.
- Substance Abuse and Sleep: Preliminary research indicates yoga may help with issues like substance use (common in some veterans as self-medication) by reducing stress and improving emotional regulation. Studies have also shown that practices like Yoga Nidra significantly improve sleep quality in veterans with insomnia, a finding consistent with countless anecdotal reports of vets who finally get a full night’s rest thanks to yogic relaxation .
- Military Endorsements: Both the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA have officially endorsed the use of yoga as part of healthcare for service members. The DoD’s Defense Centers of Excellence have published guidance encouraging mindfulness and yoga programs on bases to enhance resilience. The U.S. Army Surgeon General’s office has promoted yoga under its Performance Triad and H2F initiatives, recognizing that mind-body techniques improve soldier readiness and well-being. Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs has integrated yoga into its Whole Health System and offers it under veterans’ medical benefits . Alison Whitehead, who leads the VA’s Integrative Health Coordinating Center, stated that partnerships like the VA–Connected Warriors alliance “will help expand access to yoga for Veterans” as part of VA’s patient-driven care model . This institutional support lends considerable weight to yoga’s legitimacy in military medicine.
- Global Military Interest: NATO and allied nations have also taken notice. For instance, NATO’s research symposiums on military mental health have featured presentations on yoga and mindfulness training for troops. The Indian Armed Forces conducted their own studies (cited by Indian Army officers) showing reduced stress hormone levels in soldiers practicing yoga at high altitudes. The broad acceptance of yoga for military use was perhaps best epitomized when, in 2015, 35,000 Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel performed yoga together on International Yoga Day – an event recognized by Guinness World Records and supported by India’s Ministry of Defence as a showcase of yoga’s value for the forces .
In conclusion, the convergence of scientific evidence and official endorsements strongly supports the integration of yoga in military contexts. Studies demonstrate tangible benefits – fewer injuries, better mental health outcomes, improved quality of life – and military leadership sees yoga aligning with goals of increased readiness and reduced healthcare costs (through prevention). While more research is always welcome (for example, on the long-term effects of sustained yoga practice throughout a service member’s career), the existing data have been convincing enough that today yoga is not just tolerated but often promoted within military health and fitness programs. As the research base grows, we can expect even more refined and targeted yoga-based interventions for specific military populations (such as yoga for pilots, submarine crews, special forces, etc., each with unique stressors). The trajectory is clear: the warrior’s toolkit of the 21st century now includes a yoga mat.
Conclusion
The intersection of yoga and the military, once an unlikely pairing, has become an area of rich collaboration and positive outcomes. Modern militaries from the United States to India to the UK are leveraging yoga in diverse ways: to build more resilient and limber soldiers, to hasten physical recovery and prevent injuries, and to cope with the psychological toll of military service. Yoga offers a holistic approach that aligns well with military needs – enhancing strength with suppleness, discipline with mindfulness, and courage with calm. The historical echoes of warrior-monks and yogi-fighters remind us that the synergy between martial vigor and yogic tranquility is not new, but rather a revival of ancient wisdom adapted for contemporary challenges.
For individual service members, yoga provides practical tools: a stretched hamstring that might save one from a strain during a march, a breathing technique to steady one’s nerves before a jump, or a moment of meditative silence that quells the chaos of combat memories. For units and the military as a whole, yoga contributes to force readiness by producing soldiers who are fit, focused, and psychologically prepared. Perhaps most profoundly, for veterans navigating life after service, yoga has opened a door to healing – a way to reconnect with themselves, find community, and gradually make peace with body and mind.
As this overview has detailed, numerous programs spearheaded by passionate veterans and supporters have been key to bringing yoga into barracks and VA hospitals alike. The success of initiatives like Warriors at Ease, Veterans Yoga Project, and many others demonstrates a demand and need for these services. Their work, backed by research and countless success stories, is helping to change perceptions: Yoga is not a sign of weakness in the military; it is a strategy for strength and survival. A U.S. Marine in one class perhaps put it best: “Yoga…offers physical strength, flexibility, and mental calm – things you can never have too much of” .
In an era when armed forces are seeking every advantage to improve performance and care for their people, yoga has emerged as a cost-effective, evidence-backed, and versatile tool. Its presence on the training field and in the rehabilitation center underscores a growing recognition that a truly strong warrior is one who can master mind, body, and spirit together. The ancient Sanskrit greeting “Namaste” is sometimes translated as “the light in me honors the light in you.” It is fitting that within military units around the world, warriors on yoga mats are now bowing in Namaste – honoring the strength and light within themselves and each other, as they prepare to face the darkness of war or the trials of recovery. In doing so, they exemplify the powerful union of yoga and the military: mission-ready and mindful, lethal and limber, courageous and compassionate, all at once.
Sources: Military and veteran accounts, official Army and VA articles, and yoga program websites were used to compile this report. Key references include Army reports on yoga in Warrior Transition Units , the Guardian and Indian press on military fitness initiatives , VA News releases on partnerships and research , and scientific studies from journals like Military Medicine and JAMA Network Open demonstrating yoga’s benefits for PTSD and injury prevention . These and other cited sources provide detailed evidence of the themes discussed. The convergence of historical insight and cutting-edge research paints a clear picture: yoga has found a firm footing in the military, with a role likely to expand in years to come.