Modern beliefs often paint yoga practice as an exclusively female activity. Yet many have forgotten that this ancient discipline was founded by men, and that in the East most practitioners are men too. Yoga for men builds physical and inner strength, endurance, focus and resilience, and it brings real benefits for men’s health.
What Makes Yoga for Men Different
Many men are put off because they think yoga is only for health and for the flexibility that “only women need”, while a man wants a muscular, defined body.
The exercises may not come easily in the first classes. The main thing is not to get discouraged: keep practicing, focus on yourself and not on what others think.
The right teacher and the right style let you build the qualities men look for, strength and endurance, on the physical and the mental level.
Strong and dynamic yoga poses suit men well. You can start with Hatha yoga and, once you are in good shape, move on to Ashtanga yoga and power yoga, which help to build a lean, muscular body.
Breathing and meditation techniques also help you to develop focus, discipline your thoughts, and cope with stress and tough tasks more easily.
What You Gain From Practice
From the first classes, men begin to develop physical and mental qualities. With regular practice you can expect:
- a strong, resilient body with a good muscular frame;
- more confidence;
- energy and vitality;
- more patience, resilience to stress and inner calm;
- better sleep and general health;
- a changed attitude toward some situations in life.
Health Benefits
Yoga can have a positive effect on the whole body.
- Physical health. Better circulation, healthier digestion, stronger muscles, a lower risk of joint and spinal problems and support for the nervous system.
- Emotional balance. Less physical and mental burnout, better control of emotions and a calmer reaction to stress.
- Mental qualities. Willpower, self-discipline, focus, and the ability to think logically and make decisions quickly.
Research on yoga and sexual or reproductive health is still limited. Some small studies suggest that regular practice, which reduces stress and strengthens the pelvic area, may support sexual well-being, but yoga is not a treatment for medical problems. If you have concerns, see a doctor.
Contraindications
As with any physical activity, there are some limitations. Talk to your doctor first if you have:
- heart or cardiovascular disease;
- a flare-up of a chronic, inflammatory or infectious illness;
- serious injuries to the limbs or the spine, or a herniated disc;
- a serious mental health condition. Never practice under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To avoid injury, such as a muscle strain, follow the safety rules, learn the technique and increase the load gradually without overstraining the muscles. If you feel discomfort, stop.
Gym workouts certainly build muscle mass, but yoga develops what men value: physical and inner strength, endurance, confidence and the ability to make quick, balanced decisions. You can also practice at home, but it is best to start with an experienced teacher.
Video
The video comes from an open source on the YouTube channel MensHealthRussia.
