Yoga: a Guy's Guy Activity?
It's no secret that men often consider trying yoga because of women. Whether they're looking to impress or meet a girl or they're coerced by a partner, there's usually a female influence behind every male yoga student. While this is a seemingly good enough reason for men to get on their mats initially, it can also cause them to feel left behind and lost in studio classes that are predominantly filled with hyper-flexible, dancer-like women. Attempting to keep up with the class can be frustrating, and that initial embarrassment discourages guys from sticking with it. As a result, many men quit before they can really benefit from the practice.
[See: 7 Exercises Men Should Do Every Day.]
But men who realize just how challenging yoga is and how personal the practice can be can shift their goals from meeting chicks to something more meaningful and individualized. One of the best ways to do that? Attending a class -- either in person or online -- that's specifically designed to honor men's perspective and biomechanics. Here's why:
1. Men have unique physical demands.
Most men have more strength than flexibility. When every yoga student is working with the same limitations, the instructor can lead a more focused class. In effect, the whole group can advance much faster, which can better encourage men to stick with it.
Men can use their strength as leverage to open up their bodies efficiently. For example, in a standing forward fold, men should step their feet at least as wide as their inner hips and bend over to touch the floor -- even if that means significantly bending their knees. From there, men can use their lower body strength to engage their leg muscles and protect their joints. Eventually, they can work toward straightening their legs by lengthening their lower backs and keeping their hands on the floor. Men also excel in inversions and arm balances because those poses require strength. By practicing those positions, too, they can use their strength to increase mobility.
[See: 8 Lesser-Known Ways to Ruin Your Joints.]
2. Men need specific modifications.
Because many men try trendy, fast-paced, advanced flow yoga classes out of the gate, they get confused and, even worse, they get hurt trying to keep up with the flexible girls next to them. Usually, these classes are packed and they move so quickly from pose to pose that the teacher does not have the time to provide props and offer modifications for men.
What guys need are really clear steps into the postures and careful attention to alignment. For instance, men should embrace yoga props like blocks for poses that require hamstring mobility, such as pyramid and half split. Blocks are also great for protecting their backs from slouching in standing poses like half-moon, triangle and side angle. Because men usually have tight hips, they should sit on a block in the beginning of class to avoid knee and hip flexor pain. Men should also get used to using a strap to open the shoulders when their hands are clasped behind their backs in poses such as locust and standing shoulder stretch. A strap is also useful to create more leverage in thigh stretches and binds. Lastly, a blanket or towel is helpful for padding men's knees when they have to lower them onto their mats. Beyond props, men should take careful, incremental steps using clear physical landmarks to get into poses.
3. Men speak their own language.
Verbal cues land differently on men's ears. Men usually like very mechanical, straight-forward instruction. If you tell a guy to "blossom his hands to the sky like a dove flying toward the sun," he will most likely roll his eyes and not return to class. Guys appreciate depth and knowledge, but they want it packaged in a way that is tangible and accessible. Some teachers try to force their philosophy on students, which can comes across as preachy, elitist or overly spiritual. Many men don't want to be lectured or feel like they're just sitting around talking about their feelings. Men respond to real, honest and clear language. After they start to progress, a teacher can layer on more depth with verbal instruction and weave in practical philosophy.
4. Men get more support from their female partners.
While men are often encouraged to try yoga by their wives or girlfriends, obliging can set up an interesting relationship dynamic since most yoga classes are attended by women. From what I've observed, women are more open to their husbands or boyfriends practicing yoga with other guys rather than in a room filled with attractive women. For men, having partners who support their yoga practice is crucial if they're in a serious relationships and want long-term health and happiness.
5. Men excel in community.
Guys need to spend time with other guys. It sounds cliche, but men often feel more comfortable being themselves when they're around other dudes. They do not have to tiptoe around what they say and do, and they do not judge each other if they cannot get into a pose or if they fall. Men's classes allow participants to be completely honest without worrying about being tactful. When men practice yoga alongside their friends, their competitive nature dissolves and they start to bring each other up and build camaraderie. After my men-only classes, for instance, guys discuss their kids, family life and work, which facilitates a strong connection with other like-minded men.
[See: Bachelor Pad Kitchen Must-Haves.]
6. Men want a meaningful practice.
Ultimately, men, like women, want to better themselves through their yoga practice. First, men typically find the benefit of a stronger, more toned body. They usually lose weight, clear physical pain and double their mobility. Men see clear results within the first few months and then take their health to whole new level. They get better sleep, shift their diets permanently and improve their relationships with family and partners. In classes exclusively for them, men thrive. I know from experience: The transformation is inspiring.
