Men and Yoga
The number of men who do yoga more than doubled from 2012 to 2016, according to a survey conducted by Yoga Journal and the Yoga Alliance — and for good reason.
Men from all walks of life, from professional athletes to seniors, may benefit from yoga in numerous ways, including:
Relief from back pain. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, men say low-back pain affects their ability to work more than women do. With a focus on posture and breathing, yoga has been shown to improve symptoms of low-back pain.
A calm mind. Depression doesn’t discriminate based on gender. For men dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety, yoga may lower stress and improve mood.
Improved flexibility. For both men and women, flexibility declines with age. The longer you practice yoga, the more flexible you become — and that helps everything from working out at the gym to reaching for the cereal box in your cabinet.
As with any new exercise, take yoga slowly at first and ask your instructor to show you modifications to avoid pain. Furthermore, although yoga can be a very gentle form of exercise, people with certain conditions, such as heart problems or joint injuries, need to avoid some poses. Always discuss a health condition with the instructor before starting a class.
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