I’m often asked the question why men should do Yoga? And it is a really good question because I honestly believe everyone should be practicing Yoga regularly and yet most men stay away from this ancient practice.
If you didn’t know, we actually do have at our Pure Yoga studio (34 Pindari Road, Peakhurst Heights NSW) a specific “Men’s Only” class on Thursdays @ 7.45 pm plus a small number of loyal blokes that regularly attend our other yoga classes … But why is it that men refuse to participate in Yoga?
Maybe it is believed that Yoga:-
- Is a lighter form of fitness training that is better suited to women;
- Has become associated with flexibility rather than strength;
- Doesn’t provide any real fitness benefits like sports, running, or “the gym”;
- Will take away their masculinity.
Or maybe they are just so scared of being embarrassed in front of their wife, girlfriend or other females???
Nevertheless, here are 5 real benefits of why men should do Yoga …
1. YOGA CAN ALLEVIATE CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN AND GENERAL ACHES & PAINS
Whether you work at a desk job or are physically active all day as a tradie, under-utilised muscles are probably causing problems. For example, when the hip muscles or hamstrings are tight, lower back muscles may try to compensate, leading to pain. Several studies have found that Yoga alleviates lower back pain and helps with other kinds of chronic pain response conditions.
2. YOGA REDUCES STRESS & ANXIETY
As Yoga is a combination of physical poses, controlled breathing, and relaxation techniques, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which help modulate stress responses which ultimately can help reduce stress & anxiety.
3. YOGA IMPROVES YOUR OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Regular Yoga practice improves respiratory & cardiovascular function, as well as building all-over muscle strength. The combined stamina along with improved flexibility provided by Yoga leads to better workouts or performance in other physical activities/sports. Additionally, Yoga can counter the overuse or negative effects these physical activities/sports can exert on your muscles by balancing out the body and keeping the muscle’s supply & more flexible.
4. MORE FLEXIBILITY MEANS BETTER WORKOUTS &/OR SPORTING PERFORMANCE
The controlled movement used in Yoga gives a safe and efficient way to exercise parts of the body that men don’t normally use whilst strengthening those parts that they do. As a result, muscles learn to co-operate more harmoniously and therefore reducing/eliminating the usual strains & tears experienced by the “weekend warrior”.
5. YOGA LEADS TO BETTER SEX
Both increased libido and improved sexual performance have been linked to regular Yoga practice as:-
- The breathing techniques and concentration taught in Yoga can help men better channel their sexual energy;
- Better stamina leads to increased sexual endurance;
- More flexibility can also improve sexual performance.
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