There are usually just two reasons why men will try a yoga class.
The first one is that they are dragged, usually kicking and scream, by their girlfriends or wives. These are the hardest for teachers like me to win over. They’ll stand there with a sullen look whilst I explain the basics, arms folded in defensive defiance.
And the second reason is that they are referred to class by their doctor or specialist because of an injury. I had one of these last night. His knee needed strengthening and the doctor told him that standing yoga poses would be of great therapeutic benefit. He didn’t look sullen nor were his arms crossed but he did look mildly worried.
Yoga has an image problem when it comes to men. Perhaps they think that it is something fluffy that just girls do. Or perhaps they think that it isn’t hard enough. Especially those who spend hours pumping weights or running until the treadmill is worn out.
The trouble is that all that pumping and all that running without an associated stretching regime can reduce flexibility and leave them prone to injury. Which is exactly why they should try yoga in the first place.
Despite their initial reluctance I find that once a bloke has been to a yoga class the chances are he will come back again. Because he will feel the benefits of the strengthening and the stretching and how it compliments his pumping and his running. He will see the improvement in his flexibility and his posture almost immediately. For single guys there’s also the added bonus that as a result of other men’s preconceptions there are rather a lot of girls in the class.
So is yoga any good for men? Absolutely. Yoga is great for men. The problem is getting them into the studio in the first place. So girlfriends and wives; please keep dragging them in kicking and screaming. Doctors and specialists; please keep on referring the injured.
I’ll keep on working on making them converts.
Over to you: Are you a guy who has been either dragged kicking and screaming into a yoga class or referred by a doctor? Or have you gone along because you heard about the benefits and how it would help with your other exercises? I’d love to hear your stories. Please leave a comment below and share your experiences.
If you think yoga is too easy – try Power Yoga. I bet you’ll sweat and find it really challenging.
I agree a real issue, but this is changing slowly. I have 50 /50 in my classes now. Join me on Facebook Mind Body Tribe to see some interesting articles and videos which may inspire men. I teach Budokon a blend of martial arts and yoga which both men and women enjoy. Try run a men only workshop so they can be introduced to yoga without worrying about being an inflexible man amongst a full class of women. Greg
Thanks Greg. 50/50 is great – I’m at 80/20 at the moment.
Way to go, Greg!!! Keep leading by example! My husband and son love yoga! My husband had a back injury that has been alleviated with yoga practice and my son’s baseball game has improved dramatically due to his devoted practice. Push the power yoga!!!! Most men have no idea about the strength and focus needed for the asanas, but when you get them together as a group, they are more accepting of the poses. We lead sport yoga instruction and have more males than females. For relunctant males, try Gwen Lawrence Power Yoga For Sports. She is the real deal and has mostly men in her DVDs for sport yoga.
Thanks Trena – great to hear about your husband and son. And thanks for the tip on the DVD – I will look it up.
I honestly believe its the fear of the unknown that’s keeping the men away. A lot worry about the holistic side of yoga and feel that this would take them out of their comfort zone. I run a 45 minute stretch class and its 50/50 attendance … but shhh don’t say a word … its mostly yoga!
Thanks Ciaran – great way of getting ’em in!
I love yoga. It really helps me to develop a calmer mind and I feel alive & vivacious after every session. At £7 a pop though I can’t afford to go very often, more’s the pity!