For whatever reason, yoga has been typecast as a modern
health and fitness discipline that belongs in a “woman’s world”. Most classes and studios are geared towards the female population, and a recent study conducted in the US showed that 4 out of 5 people who practiced yoga regularly were women. If you do see a man in a yoga class, more likely than not he has been dragged there by his partner.
An interesting note however, is that yoga was originally devised by men, for men -- yet somehow this got lost in translation when it migrated to western culture from its roots in India, as far back as 500 BC. It has only been around in the Western world for the past 80 years or so, yet its popularity has really skyrocketed in the last 15-20 years.
Now, it’s big business. Classes, studios, DVDs and yoga retreats are popping up everywhere, and it seems that every second woman these days is covered head to toe in Lululemon clothing. At its core, however, yoga remains one of the true classical forms of
exercise. My favourite part of yoga is that it’s a deeply personal workout. It allows you to connect with yourself, focusing on your own breath and movement whilst ignoring the distractions and constant chatter going on inside your head.
What else is yoga good for? I’m glad you asked. Let’s find out.
1- Yoga will compliment your training schedule
The benefits of yoga are many, from improving flexibility and range of motion in major joints (particularly your hips and shoulders) to improving balance, control and core stability. This supplements your efforts in the gym by building control in your stabilising and synergistic muscles -- not to mention awakening some deeper muscles that you will never work in a typical gym workout.
Yoga can be used as a substitute for your core workouts, or even strategically placed as an active recovery session, during times in your program where you feel a little over-trained.
2- Yoga isn’t all just Chants and Meditation
Yoga is practiced in many forms these days, from a traditional, beginner’s Hatha to free-flowing Vinyasa and the powerful form of Ashtanga. There’s also Bikram (otherwise known as "hot yoga") and Lyengar (using props such as blocks, bolsters and straps and focusing on alignment). Don’t get discouraged if you didn’t like it the first time -- you just haven’t found your preferred style yet.
3- Yoga is great for relaxation and stress relief
An oft neglected benefit of yoga for guys is its calming effect on the body. Whilst you don’t have to get all spiritual with it; you will find yourself feeling energised and relaxed after every session. The physical act of
stretching and focusing on breathing also helps to release serotonin, otherwise known as the “feel good“ chemical in the brain.
4- You will improve your posture and reduce the incidence of back pain
Yoga is fantastic for correcting postural faults and imbalances caused by tight muscles throughout the body. Not only will it improve core strength by addressing imbalances such as tight hip flexors, weak glutes and tight hamstrings, but it will also improve shoulder mobility. You'll be able to find and target your postural faults, as well as reduce stress on the lower back from sitting. That misplaced pelvic girdle will slowly disappear.
5- Yoga will humble you
Be prepared to suck, and suck badly. When you walk into a room and suddenly become the weakest participant, it tends to be a bit of a blow to the psyche (yet an important wake-up call). The 65 year-old lady next to you is doing headstands. The woman on the other side has wrapped herself up into what seems like an inhuman position -- while you are sweating bucket-loads just trying to touch your toes. Take it as a cue that you need to improve on a seriously neglected part of your health and fitness.
6- You will meet women (who like to take care of themselves)
The other day, my wife and I attended a part yoga class, part dance party called the
Future Sounds of Yoga here in
Sydney. When I attended, I found that there were less than 20 men in a class of over 200. This class was 90% women. You can’t find that male/female ratio in a pub, a supermarket, a gym or anywhere else. Women will be intrigued and slightly interested that you had the courage to even show up. Side note: women also look great in stretchy pants.
