How many men are in your yoga class? When people think yoga, they tend to think women.  But  recently the men:women ratios seem to be evening out and there seems to be a growing trend of more and more men turning up to yoga classes – and this is good news all round! Yoga isn’t exclusive – it has the power to revolutionise our health on an individual level, grow positive communities and (I believe) save the world! Too much hippy-sh*t, bro?!  Keep reading – here are the top 5 excuses reasons  men don’t do yoga – and why they should!

 1. I’m not flexible

The moment the words “I teach yoga” have left my mouth, this is the number one response I get – not only from guys, in fairness, but mostly.  This is EXACTLY THE SAME as saying “I don’t want to lift weights because I don’t have big muscles” – flexibility is a side-effect of yoga, not a pre-requisite.  You don’t have to be a contortionist.  Like most things in life, it takes a little bit of practice and effort for things to become more familiar – enjoy the challenge of learning about your body and you’ll soon feel the benefits of a more supple, flexible you.

flexibility is a side-effect of yoga, not a pre requisite

 2. Yoga is for girls

I truly believe yoga is for EVERYONE, and it’s a shame that modern yoga has acquired a reputation as being a ladies club, or that anything remotely ‘spiritual’ is girly.  It wasn’t always the case.  In fact, some 5000 years ago yoga originated most likely by men, for men.  But there’s now a lingering perception that it’s all ladies in leotards sitting and chanting.  Yoga requires and develops incredible levels of strength, focus and energy.   Trust me, real men do yoga.

3. I already run/play sport

Yoga is the perfect complement to any other activity you do, and if you’re like the majority of people I’ve ever met ever, it’s likely that you’re short-changing on the stretching pre- and post.  Yoga is more than just stretching, but adding it to your regime can help to make you a better all-round athlete.  Many sporting activities build up the parts of the body which that sport relies on most, which in time can lead to imbalance and injury.  Yoga ensures that the whole body is worked mindfully so that our energy levels, stamina and strength are balanced.

Yoga also has a mental aspect, teaching us to move and act from the present moment.  Sports players and athletes often talk about ‘being in the zone’ – yoga is fertile ground to develop The Zone in both body and mind.  It’s becoming more and more common place for professional sportsmen to include yoga as a regular part of their elite training. Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, England goalkeeper David James, veteran footballer Ryan Giggs and the Wasps Rugby Union team all credit yoga as key to their sporting prowess.  Read my article on why athletes should do yoga for more excellent reasons to hit the mat!

4. It’s new-age hokum

Five. Thousand. Years. It’s about as old-age as you can get!  Yoga is a scientific system proven to increase strength, flexibility, improve balance, lower blood pressure, relieve stress and promote healthy sleep.

Yoga can be an outlet to release mental and physical tension, especially for men who have a tendancy to internalise stress and anxiety.  Hip flexors and hamstrings, often particularly tight areas for men, are encouraged to stretch and open through regular yoga practice, and back pain decreased as the spine increases in flexibility and strength.  Find a class that you feel appeals to you – speak to the teacher and get their view on things.  Me telling you probably won’t convince you, but try a class and find out for yourself.  Things that work stick around for a reason; thousands of years is probably a good amount of time for something to get well tested out 🙂

5. It’s not a real workout

Yoga is a full body workout with a difference, engaging your whole being, not just aiming for ripped abs and bulging biceps (although that happens too!).  Yoga is all about connecting mind and body.  The focus of a yoga class is different to say, a fitness boot camp or playing competitive sport – but that doesn’t mean you won’t break a sweat.  Yoga builds power and heat as you ‘flow’ between poses – building strength and stamina in poses like Downward Dog and Warrior 2; challenge and stability in balancing poses, inversions and twists.  Add to this the benefits of lower blood pressure, decreased stress, better sleep, increased flexibility, injury prevention, improved spine and back health…come for the physical benefits and stay for the benefit of your whole being (I did).

 

This Sunday is Fathers Day. Happy Fathers Day! Here’s a big salute to all the men – dads, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, sons, uncles, nephews, friends who enrich our lives every day. Why not treat them by inviting them along with you to your next yoga class – no excuses boys!! (forward them this post!)

Are you a male yogi? Why, or why not? Did your perception of yoga change once you came along to a class? Share with us below!