Photo by MIkeCPeck Photos
Do men do yoga? Without getting too deeply into the history of yoga, it is important to note that once, yoga was practiced exclusively by men. In ancient times and in our modern world, men have created different yoga styles and meditation. So, what is all the fuss? Why do so many men feel that yoga is only for females? It’s time to think again.
Some men feel intimidated and concerned that they may not be flexible enough to do yoga poses. Since yoga started with men, most poses suit their bodies well. Upper body strength is emphasized in a lot of the postures. In a progressive city like Seattle, you will probably find more men in yoga class than in, say, a small town in the Midwest. In fact, Seattle has a Seattle Men’s Naked Yoga class every Tuesday night (go ahead, see below for link). Santosha Yoga in Capitol Hill offers yoga for athletes. Dylan Noebels, a male instructor, teaches at Taj Yoga. Suffice to say, men can do yoga in Seattle and know that they are not alone.
For those men into sports, yoga can enhance their game. Yoga can teach an athlete to breathe properly, stay calm during the heat of competition, and develop flexibility and endurance. There are a number of professional male athletes that do yoga.
Most sports involve using the same muscles over and over which can result in injury. Yoga helps counter those repetitive actions, align the spine, strengthen the core and bring balance to the entire body. It is a perfect compliment to the standard sports routine.
For those men that don’t like competing, you’re in luck because yoga is not a competitive sport. Still, it builds strength and stamina with added benefits: it can relieve stress and lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. For all men, sports fanatic or not, you’ll be amazed at how toned your body can become.
Ask any woman and she’ll tell you: men who are comfortable with themselves, are aware of their own bodies and minds--now that is sexy!
Seattle Naked Yoga:
http://seattlenakedyoga.com/
Santosha Yoga:
http://www.santosha-yoga.com/
Professional Athletes that do yoga:
http://www.holisticmed.com/exercise-yoga.html
Dylan Noebels at Taj Yoga:
tajyoga.com
http://www.menshealth.com/yoga/
Comments
We have been trying to get more males involved in our program, which is difficult!
Unfortunately a lot of men have preconceived notions of yoga being a feminine sport.
I introduced my skeptical husband to yoga when he was going through a very difficult health issue. Not only did he become a convert but feels quite certain that it helped him recover.
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