by Diane Wat

“Real Men do Yoga” 

I’ve seen this phrase on stickers and shirts, and thought it was worth visiting for blog-sake.
Here in the western world, we’ve made Yoga a very feminine past-time.  When in fact, early Yoga was primarily practiced by men.  hmmmm…. think about that for a moment.  Now-a-days, I have to ‘Dare’ guys to come into Yoga class.  Some actually accept the challenge and come back for more.  In the morning class today, I had a big muscle bound fella come in.  He did very good!  However, after class he admitted to me, and those standing nearby, that this class was the hardest thing that he’s ever done physically. Yes, he emphasized ‘ever’.  I took that as quite the compliment, considering he obviously was not a couch potato.  Of course, Yoga is what you make of it… a ‘challenging class’ can equally be a ‘relaxing class’ if that is what we choose to do with the postures.  

All men can benefit from Yoga.  Slowly, but surely, male athletes are including Yoga as a part of their conditioning routines.   Hockey teams, professional baseball players, even Lance Armstrong (yah, you know, the cyclist) is checking it out. I know a couple of Mixed Martial Artists that are giving it a whirl too; they are noticing how flexibility in the shoulders and hips are vastly improving their sport.  But it does not stop there, golfers and tennis players are picking it up as well!  When the muscles are more open our range of movement increases tremendously.  This also helps prevent injuries.  For many sports it takes intense concentration, ignoring and letting go of all distractions and focusing solely on the task at hand.  A moving meditation.  I love going for a nice long road ride and getting into ‘the zone’.  This is my moving meditation (other than a great yoga class, of course).  Yoga poses (asanas) were designed to prepare the body for meditation.  It increases mental awareness and concentration regardless if our meditation is stationary or moving.  

Yoga does not stereotype… it does not care if you are man, woman, young or old, disabled or athletic… it is perfect for everyone.  We just have to convince those who have stereotyped Yoga, that it is perfect for them. 

Namaste’ Ladies and Gentlemen! 

Carrisa