It’s no secret that a lot of men think of yoga as something that flexible, healthy women do–often while wearing pink and discussing girly things like romantic comedies and pedicures. Oh boy, are they wrong! While I realize that the men who feel this way are not likely to be reading a blog on YogaJournal.com, I do hope that you women and men who are reading (and most likely practice yoga already) will pass this list on to your male friends, brothers, sons, and husbands who think yoga is only for women.
1. It’s Way More “Manly” Than You Probably Think. Thousands of years
ago, yoga was practiced ONLY by men. The practice was designed by men, for men.
In a lot of ways, women are just crashing the party. So if you’re worried that you won’t “fit in” or that it won’t be physically demanding enough for you, give it a try before you pass judgment. I dare you! You might be surprised by the experience.
2. It Will Make You Better at Whatever You Do. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just really passionate about being the best Guitar Hero player, yoga will help you get better at it. Physically it helps you find balance. For example, if you’re strong, it will help your flexibility. If you’re flexible, it will help you build strength. Mentally, it will give you a way to handle all the pressure and stress that comes from a high-stakes competition so you can be your best at whatever you do. It can be your secret weapon! (Don’t worry, we won’t tell!)
3. You Don’t Have to Wear Spandex (or Pink). Really! Wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in. There’s no dress code. Also, you probably won’t be the only man. No one will be watching to see how flexible (or not flexible) you are. And we rarely discuss romantic comedies in class.
4. Get to Know Your Partner Better. Dude… if your wife, girlfriend, or life partner is a yoga practitioner do you have any idea how many brownie points you’ll get for going to a class with her and showing some interest in something she really cares about? Take it from someone who has been not-so-secretly wishing her husband would take a yoga class with her for years… If you’re in the dog house, this will get you out! (Oh, and if you’re a single guy, you’ll have way better odds of meeting a nice girl in a yoga class than at a singles bar.)
5. Get to Know Yourself Better. I know guys feel a lot of pressure
to be all tough and strong. (And, trust me, there are lots of opportunities
to use that brute strength in a yoga class.) But I imagine it
would be nice to occasionally check that tough-guy exterior at the door. Yoga
class is the perfect place to explore letting your guard down, and just
being yourself!
Want a male’s perspective on the subject? Read 5 Reasons Why Dudes Should Practice Yoga.
Oh, and ladies, if you want to get your guy to practice with you but he’s just not having it, here’s a blog post just for you! :)
Erica Rodefer is a writer and yoga practitioner in Charleston, SC. Visit her blog, Spoiledyogi.com, follow her on Twitter, or like her on Facebook.
Erica Rodefer
Several years ago I quite grudgingly let my wife drag me to a Valentine’s Day “couple’s yoga” class.
Last weekend I started my first round of teacher training!
Dudes, yoga ROCKS! It will kick your butt and rock your world! Get off the couch and get on the mat!
namaste!
All of the bloggers here are women. Now that you noticed, you know what to do. Will you though?
I went back and dug up the 2nd Yoga blog I ever wrote. It was for Yoga Journal Community in response to a blog by Erica!
More Ideas About How to Trick Your Husband Into Doing Yoga
Well, I was going to suggest starting him off with erotic Tantric Yoga and work back from there. But you might never be able to “work back from there”!
All kidding aside, my wife talked me into going to Yoga class a few years ago with her by telling me it would improve my tennis. I think the sports angle is really the best to start with. Tell him Yoga is great physical AND mental sports training, which it is. Tell him it will make him more even more physically appealing to you than he already is. You won’t be able to resist him.
In my case, I loved the poses, but I started reading about Yoga, one thing led to another, and now Yoga philosophy is one of my big passions (along with flamenco guitar) to the extent that I’m writing a book about my experience.
Tennis, and everything else in my life, for that matter, is like Yoga meditation. And I owe it all to my lovely wife, Jane (she loves it when I say that.)
Bob W.
http://YogaDemystified.com
Word.
Yoga makes you a Better Man. All ways.
http://www.elephantjournal.com/author/dylan-barmmer/
Although the general perception of yoga (in the West) is that it is a feminine thing, more and more men are realizing that yoga is ideal for boosting and maintaining good health, and for bringing peace of mind to stressful lives.
The fact that more top sportsmen are “coming out” and sharing the benefits of doing yoga can only help break down the idea that yoga is only for women, and encourage more guys onto the mat.
I know that the good health I experience is the direct result of years of yoga practice, and the sense of balance, inner peace and enthusiasm for life is the direct result of connecting with a deeper place within, way beyond my limited mind.
It really is the perfect system.
I think if there were more “men’s only” yoga classes that the adoption of the practice might be higher. I am more comfortable working out in a homogeneous environment and tend to be less self-conscious and am able to focus more effectively.
Thx MajorTomServo
I’m finishing up my teacher training this June AND starting a “men’s only” class. I’ll let you know how it goes.