I have enjoyed teaching men for many years and it has been a learning experience for me.
I find that many men think yoga is an activity for women and that yoga is not a manly activity.
Let's look back in history, yoga in India was mostly practiced by men for thousands of years and it was only recently since the 1940-50's that it became acceptable for women in India to go to yoga classes and these were female only classes and many still are today.
When I was in India, I participated in classes that were only for women and the teacher was a man, but there are many teachers teaching mixed classes to foreigners in India.
The practice of yoga is beneficial for both genders and there is a different way to practice for each gender according to the natural rhythms of life.
Most of my private students have been men, some of them move on to group classes and some of them like the personal attention and convenience of private instruction. I encourage my students to practice on their own at home. This is a way of developing self discipline of the mind as well as the body.
I always encourage men over 40 to start taking yoga classes and enjoy the many wonderful benefits yoga has to offer. Other than strength and flexibility yoga can alleviate back pain, sciatica, arthritis, improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, symptoms of diabetes, all stress related issues, insomnia, depression, digestion, increase vitality and vigor. And yoga can improve your sex life!
Men who are athletes find that yoga is a great compliment to their sport, or it can help keep the body toned and prepared for seasonal activities such as golf and skiing.
When we come to
yoga over the age of 40, it is always best to determine what our goal is
and then find a teacher who can design a practice that will help us accomplish those goals. We
need to take our present physical limitations and needs into account.
Some men start by taking a group class and find that they are not enjoying it, this may be because the group class is geared towards generally healthy people with very limited or no physical issues .
Not all yoga poses are good for all bodies, especially if one has arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, knee injuries, high blood pressure, the list goes on. Yoga can be practiced by any one, we just need to find the way that works for each individual. After all the word "Asana" translates into "Pose of ease"
I find private lessons are a great way for men to get started, this helps them to become more comfortable and develop a better understanding of their personal limitations, needs and what yoga really is. Some studios offer classes for men only, and some instructors can be hired to go to the workplace or office for convenience and time efficiency.
Some men start by taking a group class and find that they are not enjoying it, this may be because the group class is geared towards generally healthy people with very limited or no physical issues .
Not all yoga poses are good for all bodies, especially if one has arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, knee injuries, high blood pressure, the list goes on. Yoga can be practiced by any one, we just need to find the way that works for each individual. After all the word "Asana" translates into "Pose of ease"
I find private lessons are a great way for men to get started, this helps them to become more comfortable and develop a better understanding of their personal limitations, needs and what yoga really is. Some studios offer classes for men only, and some instructors can be hired to go to the workplace or office for convenience and time efficiency.
Meditation - On
the subject of learning meditation, one needs to determine, "what is my
personal purpose for learning meditation?" Is it for mental and physical
relaxation, for healing or for spiritual enlightenment leading towards
self realization?
When an individual is in physical or psychological pain they will be less likely to be thinking of spirituality
and more concerned with pain relief, which can be lessened with
meditative and breathing techniques.
Yoga clothing for men - No you don't need fancy yoga duds, I find that most men feel comfortable wearing T- shirts, sweat pants or shorts and preferably in cotton. It's best to have your own personal yoga mat for hygienic reasons and have a small towel handy to wipe off perspiration if needed.
Remember that yoga is a science of human self development which can help keep us happy, healthy, moving with ease and offer mental clarity. It's a fabulous way to move forward in life! Yes real men do yoga! Come on guys get out there and find a studio or teacher to inspire you.
Brenda Bell copyright 2015
www.brendabell.ca
Remember that yoga is a science of human self development which can help keep us happy, healthy, moving with ease and offer mental clarity. It's a fabulous way to move forward in life! Yes real men do yoga! Come on guys get out there and find a studio or teacher to inspire you.
Brenda Bell copyright 2015
www.brendabell.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment