Yoga For Men

It is hard for many men to see yoga as a way to keep their bodies fit and strong, yet it is. The physical part of yoga was originally devised to keep Hindu yogis, who are mostly men, fit and strong.

Yoga greatly increases body strength, and many men find it surprising. Many of the yoga asanas (poses) are used to increase strength in the back muscles. Others such as the Crow pose (Bakasana) work on increasing arm strength.

At the same time, yoga increases flexibility of the body which can be helpful if you tend to be stiff and muscle-bound. And, it also has a tonic, calming effect on the mind. Once you are able to really merge with its principles, yoga can help you detach from the stress that comes from competitiveness and daily demands. Yoga is famous for its techniques aimed at improving breathing, focus and overall wellness.

Yoga is a lot more than just a physical workout. Many men seem to choose forms of yoga such as ashtanga yoga ( a more aerobic and fast type of yoga) over styles that are slower and more centered around meditation. However, the forms of yoga that hold poses for longer do give the body just as much of a workout, so do not avoid these just because they may not seem so masculine.

Regardless of which yoga discipline you choose, all of them aim at achieving a level of alignment of body, mind and soul which will promote general wellness, balance and well-being. For men it is especially important to learn to relate to the body in this way and stop comparing with others or striving for fast progress. The ability of one to do something faster doesn't really mean anything, since everybody achieves things at their own pace. Achieving something faster does not indicate ones superior level of health or fitness.

If your class is both for men and women, you will have the opportunity to see that some poses come more easily to men than women, and viceversa. This is not really important, but if you prefer to focus on exercises that are specifically designed for men, you might want to look for a class that's exclusively attended by men.

It is important to enjoy your practice and not to force the body any further than is easy and comfortable. It is very possible that you will feel a bit stiff the day after you have practiced yoga. You shouldn't push yourself past what feels comfortable to you.

Unlike many forms of strength-based exercise, there are no standards or goals to measure yourself against in yoga. Some men are a little worried about trying yoga, but if they give it a chance they soon find that it is indeed a very liberating form of exercise.

About the author: Neal Middleton publishes a guide to mystery shopper jobs. Learn more about the perks of real shadow shopper.