Yoga for Men: How to Get Started in 10
I've had a few men in my life and in the community getting in touch to express an interest in yoga who are unsure about whether the retreats are suitable for them. It’s not a secret that the marketing around yoga is often geared toward women. Yoga really is for everyone, and those of all genders reading this probably already know that mobility and mindfulness are pretty important parts of a healthy lifestyle.
So let’s get started - I’ve put together 10 tips to make you feel more comfortable, stay injury-free, and know what to expect before you step on the mat.
Health benefits
Firstly, nobody should miss out on these benefits:
Mental health: A meta-analysis published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2017) found that yoga interventions are associated with significant reductions in perceived stress levels.
Cardiovascular health: A review in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (2019) indicated that yoga may have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Flexibility and strength: A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2015) found that regular yoga practice was associated with improvements in flexibility and muscular strength.
The Checklist
Before starting yoga, understand these ten key aspects to enhance your experience and maximize the benefits of your practice;
1. Leave Ego Outside
Yoga is about self-awareness, not competition. It’s tempting - especially if you come from a background in strength training like I do - to check off the poses other people can do that you can’t like you’d check out the weights people are using in a gym.
Try to embrace the practice with an open mind and leave all of that behind. Everyone's journey in yoga is unique, it’s you vs you, and progress comes with time and consistency. Use the practice as a chance to give yourself a break from any sense of competition.
2. Flexibility Will Improve Over Time
Many men may initially feel less flexible compared to others in a yoga class. I can’t get a clear scientific view on whether that’s genetic or due to lifestyle factors. Either way, it's essential to understand that flexibility improves gradually with regular practice. Be patient and celebrate small victories.
On the flip side, you might realise that you’re a lot more flexible than you thought, or even hypermobile (which comes with its own yoga challenges - your teacher will be able to advise).
3. Focus on Breath and Mindfulness
Yoga is not just about physical postures: it involves mindful breathing and mental focus. Pay attention to your breath and let it guide your movements. Often poses will be held for one, five or ten breaths. The mind-body connection is a crucial aspect of yoga.
4. Choose the Right Class
There are various styles of yoga ranging from vigorous Vinyasa and Ashtanga to more relaxed Yin or restorative. Experiment with different classes to find the style that suits your preferences and goals. Beginners may find Hatha or beginner-friendly classes beneficial.
5. Listen to Your Body
Honour your body's limitations and avoid pushing yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. It's okay to modify poses or take breaks when needed. Consistency is more important than intensity.
6. Use Props to Support Your Practice
Yoga props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters can assist in achieving proper alignment and making poses more accessible. Don't hesitate to incorporate props into your practice.
7. It's Not Just for Flexibility – Strength Matters Too
Yoga builds strength as well as flexibility - it’s all calisthenics. Many poses engage and strengthen different muscle groups. You may find that yoga complements their existing fitness routine by enhancing overall functional strength and balance.
8. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. This will keep you comfortable during practice.
9. Stay Consistent
Like any form of exercise, the benefits of yoga become more apparent with consistent practice. Aim for regular sessions to experience the physical, mental, and emotional advantages.
10. Ask Questions
If you're new to yoga or have specific concerns, communicate with your instructors. They can offer guidance, adjustments, and modifications to suit your individual needs.
Summary
I hope this helps - feel free to share this with your friends who might need a confidence boost. By keeping these considerations in mind you can approach yoga with confidence, improving your life on and off the mat.
Fancy getting started? Check out our retreats below:
Charlotte xx
