We have a question for you: When was the last time you saw a yoga class full of male bodies? (Probably back when yoga was founded by seven men… in prehistoric times!) There’s no doubt yoga is a female-dominated industry in the U.S. today. That’s a shame because it turns out yoga has just as many health benefits for men. So, for all you men out there: Here are five reasons why men should do yoga.
Five Reasons Why Men Should Do Yoga
1. Yoga Enhances Athletic Performance
Because yoga is low-impact, there’s often a misconception that it’s “too easy” to be a real workout. Anyone who’s taken a hot yoga class knows that couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Going to the gym often involves repetitive motions that, over time, can put stress on muscles and joints. Yoga to the rescue! Because yoga activates muscles that aren’t being used during your weight routines, adding yoga to your weekly workout actually gives you more range of motion, allowing those frequently-used muscles a (much-needed!) break.
2. Yoga Helps Prevent Sports Injuries
Whether it’s soccer, Olympic running, or bodybuilding, there’s nothing that dampens your dreams like a sports injury. You could be the most advanced bodybuilder, but if you can’t touch your toes, you risk pulling a hamstring or getting a back injury at any moment.
As any yogi will tell you, yoga can be as easy or challenging as you make it. In fact, weightlifting and yoga are perfect complements. By bulking you up, weightlifting typically shortens—and therefore tightens—your muscles. Yoga helps stretch out those muscles between weight room sessions so you don’t injure yourself in pursuit of your fitness goals.
3. Yoga Is Perfect For Your Rest Day
Any good workout regimen includes one built-in rest day. The rest day is essential to your long-term fitness goals as it allows your body time to heal and recover between workouts.
If you’re the type of athlete who goes stir-crazy not being able to work out for one day, yoga is the perfect solution. Unlike other workouts, yoga allows you to stretch those overused muscles while still building gradual muscle in areas of your body that may not be target areas during a regular workout.
Excessive working out can also increase anxiety since cardio activity releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Yoga, which incorporates breathing and meditative practices, reduces cortisol in the body.
4. Yoga Helps You Achieve Your Business Goals
Up for a promotion? Start with yoga! Besides enhancing your physical performance, yoga also improves your concentration and focus outside the yoga studio. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that not only did practicing yoga improve overall cognitive ability after just eight weeks, but just 20 minutes of yoga before taking a test improved the test takers’ memory, speed, and accuracy. Adding yoga to your weekly routine could give you that extra edge you’ve been needing to get to your next career goal.
5. And Last (But Certainly Not Least)…Yoga Improves Your Sex Life
Yes, you read that right. The ultimate reason why men should do yoga is better sex. Besides making you more physically fit, yoga also improves your concentration (hello!) and lowers stress and anxiety (buh-bye!). Yoga also increases hip flexibility, core strength, endurance, and balance—all things that help in the bedroom!
Besides general bedroom performance, yoga has also been shown to help treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. (Bonus!)
Are You In, Fellas? Here’s How to Get Started
If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re starting to see why men should do yoga. If you’re new to the mat, never fear! Here are some tips for getting started:
Don’t Sweat the Mat (Figuratively Speaking…)
Don’t be intimidated by all those pink and purple mats on the studio floor. Most gyms and studios offer mats that you can borrow or rent for a small fee during your class. (As with any gym equipment, just make sure to spray down the mat afterward!) Who knows? Over time, you may just decide to invest in your own yoga mat.
Choose the Right Class
Yoga is definitely not one-size-fits-all. Yoga has different levels, just like any sport. If you don’t see titles like “Beginner’s Yoga” on the class schedule, classes labeled “Hatha” tend to be slower-moving. However, it’s important to ask your instructor what to expect, since “Hatha” is also a generic description for “movement.”
Wear the Right Clothing
Yoga is not the time for loose gym shorts. Remember, you’ll be doing stretches on the floor for an hour. Wear clothing that stretches with you—and preferably won’t expose your body at odd angles! Aim for close-fitting shirts and shorts that don’t ride up.
Your studio or gym may supply other props, such as foam blocks for added support, blankets, and straps. These are all optional and only enhance your yoga experience. The instructor should inform you before the class starts which props you’ll need.
Take Your New Yoga Poses On the Road With The Travel Yogi
Now that you call yourself a yogi, there’s even better news: Besides improving your overall health, yoga also travels well. If you’re ready to take a break from the grind, we have over a dozen international adventures to choose from. Swim with sea turtles by day and do that “downward dog” pose you just mastered on the beach at night. Explore our adventures.