Not enough guys are doing yoga.
When it comes down to it we guys would probably benefit more that women do if more of us did yoga more often. Not to say you women won’t benefit. You certainly will. Lots of you already do and have already embraced the value of yoga.
Guys have not… yet.
In my most recent foray into yoga I have been going weekly for several weeks now. There have been no other guys in my class so far.
Why?
“Have you seen how they bend and move? I could never do that!”
To “do that” you must start wherever you are at and consistently and progressively bend and move a bit more each time. A good instructor will assist properly.
When I sit cross legged my knees no longer touch my ears. Seriously, where I have noticed the most improvement in mobility is in my hips in just a few weeks.
“I need a real workout. Not just stretching.”
Really? Have you tried yoga? I’ve done all kinds of types of workouts and I gotta tell ya there are forms of yoga that will kick your butt, if that’s what you’re looking for.
I have gained mobility in my hips and ankles, have overcome achilles tendonitis and am running more relaxed and efficiently. My upper back and shoulders are much stronger and more stable and do not ache from too much laptop time, like they used to at times before yoga. I leave feeling calm yet energized; ready for my day.
“I don’t like all that spiritual woo woo stuff.”
There’s real value in the spiritual side of yoga. Value that can positively impact your work and your life. Stretch a bit outside your comfort zone and experience something new. If it’s really not your thing you can ask about the styles of different instructors. There are ones out there that align with a practice that will work for you.
Personally I find it provides a sense of inner peace. I am able to center and ground myself, relaxing and letting go of whatever I need to, embracing what I need to. It translates to an ability to focus, be more productive, happier, and healthier in my work and day to day life.
“Yoga, that’s for women.”
See “Really, have you tried yoga?” above. It’s for everyone!
Yoga, a guys perspective.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a firefighter, business executive, garbage collector, computer programmer, teacher, factory worker or ANYTHING ELSE.
Yoga will support you to achieve and live in Thriving Health.
- You will become stronger. Period!
- You will become more flexible. Especially your hips where we guys tend to be very tight.
- You will relax, letting go of tension.
- You will release stress and anxiety.
- You will reduce the risk of many lifestyle related illnesses.
- You will become more energized.
- It will positively impact your work and your life.
Gals, keep on doing it.
Guys, try it but give yourself the time to ease in and get used to it before you prematurely judge it. Like any good activity your body needs time to adapt and grow. You’ll know the tipping point. You’ll spend less time thinking about the stretches and getting it right and more time focusing on your breath and movement with it.
Enjoy!
Remember…
“Life is meant to be embraced, enjoyed and fully lived, not merely endured!”
To your health,
Brent
Be an advocate of Thriving Health. Forward this to anyone you feel would appreciate receiving this message. Thanks for your support. I appreciate it.
Beginning with a degree in exercise science and kinesiology, Brent Haydey has evolved over thirty years as an entrepreneur; building four businesses, and as a health, executive, and life coach.