Why Men Should Start Doing Yoga

Yoga is an activity that has enjoyed a renaissance over the past couple of decades. Thirty years ago, it was regarded by many as a niche activity, and also one where the class attendance skewed toward the female gender. There was this idea in some parts of the world that it was effeminate or New Age, or you had to live somewhere like Berkeley to get into it.

 

All that has changed in 2019. Both genders enjoy yoga, and you should be able to find a studio in any part of the country. Professional athletes like baseball and hockey players have incorporated yoga into their offseason routines. Even some pro wrestlers do it.

 

So, why are men finding yoga useful? Is it about the physical? Is there a psychological or a mental basis as well? Let’s answer those questions as we explain the most common reasons why men should start doing yoga today.

 

Flexibility

One of the reasons that men have started doing yoga is because it makes for a limber body. There are lots of types of yoga, but a thread that runs through them all, from Ashtanga to Bikram, is that if you’re a regular practitioner, it keeps the body supple. You won’t be as inclined to pull or strain a muscle because of sudden motion.

 

This is vital if you also lift weights or something similar. If you put on muscle mass, then you’ll likely lose flexibility. Taking yoga is a great way to counteract that. Men who are getting into middle age or the later stages of their lives are some of those who can see the most benefit it. There’s never a bad time to try it, though.

 

Inner Peace

Yoga is more than an exercise routine. It’s also a mindset. Again, there are many different yoga disciplines. However, they are all about centering yourself and opening the chakras. Even if you don’t get into that aspect of it, the meditative nature of yoga lets you focus in a way that no other physical activity can.

 

There are many stresses in our lives. They might come from your job or an uncomfortable situation with a relative or friend. Your concerns may be financial. While yoga isn’t magic, there’s no denying that you’ll leave your sessions feeling calmer. You’ll be more actively engaged in your life. Your problems will not seem as insurmountable as they once did.

 

You’ll Sleep Better

Do you have insomnia? Many men do. Too much caffeine consumption can do it. You may be using your electronics too much before you go to bed. There might be too many thoughts preoccupying you to allow the brain to shut down.

 

Yoga practitioners say they sleep much better when they start going to classes multiple times each week. That’s due to physical activity meeting mental balance. Yoga can be a challenging physical workout, but that’s why it helps you drop off to sleep at night. At the same time, you are not as likely to be tormented by doubts and insecurities if you start doing it regularly. That’s a perfect recipe for you getting in your recommended eight hours.

 

You’ll Meet People

If you are single, a yoga class is an ideal place to meet people. You shouldn’t have the intention of picking someone up when you start taking yoga. At the same time, though, you’re engaged in physical activity alongside other individuals. It’s only natural that you might get to know them better after a while. You might want to invite the young lady next to you out to a movie after you’ve discovered that you have some similar interests.

 

Even if you’re already in a relationship, yoga classes could be a suitable place to make friends. You know that the people around you are into physical fitness, just like you. You may have other things in common.

 

Pain Relief

Many men have jobs that put stress on parts of the body like the back and legs. If you spend many hours every day in front of a computer, you’re are not doing yourself any favors either.

 

Yoga is the right exercise to improve your posture. If you start attending regular classes, then you’ll find that pain in problem areas like your back, hips, neck, and calves will lessen. While you may find that yoga is difficult at first if your body isn’t very flexible, if you stick with it, then the way it will alleviate your pain will amaze you.

 

Are you convinced yet? Then you are in good company. More men of different ages and diverse backgrounds are trying yoga for the first time. They love the changes it brings about in all areas of their lives.

 

Start by taking an introductory class. Be sure to talk with the instructor first about your physical condition and any limitations you have. There are modified versions of the exercises that you can try as you get into better shape.

 

Do not be afraid of trying a new activity. Make a change in your life by visiting one of the yoga studios near you today.