Demystifying Yoga: Men on the Mat

From its beginnings, yoga was a common practice for men. Somewhere along the way, men began to see yoga as nothing more than stretching and flexibility. In reality, yoga not only sculpts and strengthens men’s bodies, but also benefits everything from inner health to mental sharpness. From preventing game day injuries to increasing lung capacity, yoga results in benefits that are important to all guys. Here are six side effects of yoga that will have men everywhere adding it to their cross-training regimens.

Injury Prevention

Hamstrings, knees, shoulders and low back pain rank as some of the most frequent sports injuries. The most common reason for sport-related injuries is overuse and abuse. By focusing on lengthening these overworked muscles, yoga can aid in opening the muscles that hinder performance and can help you recover more quickly after workouts. 

• Pose: Downward Facing Dog

• Benefits: This pose provides a deep stretch in the shoulders, hamstrings, calves and foot arches — all areas of the body that are prone to overuse and injury. 

Stretch Overworked Muscles

Whether you’re stressed or just completed a rigorous workout, many men carry lots of tension, especially in the chest, shoulders and neck. In addition to helping relieve underlying stress, yoga hones in on these areas of the body and causes them to lengthen and relax. 

• Pose: Eagle Pose

• Benefits: This pose is perfect after a long day sitting at your desk. It stretches the shoulders, in addition to the thighs, hips and upper back. 

Strengthen Core

The benefits of having a strong core can’t be overstated as a part of a well-balanced fitness program. Your core supports your entire body. Want to relieve back pain? Focus on your core. Need to improve your balance and coordination? Focus on your core. Want to shave time off your run? You guessed it… core. There are no shortage of core exercises in a yoga class that focus on strengthening core muscles. 

• Pose: Forearm Plank 

• Benefits: Not only will you get a deep stretch in the shoulders and hamstrings, this pose is a major core workout!

Relaxation

We live in a busy world. It’s important to take a moment to just breathe and decompress, especially if you happen to have a Type A personality. Not only will you get a killer workout in a yoga class, but you’ll get that workout in a way that keeps you mindful of your body and slows down your breathing. You’ll walk out of class with an unexpected mental clarity that you’ll carry throughout your day.

• Pose: Child’s Pose

• Benefits: This pose calms the brain and helps to relieve stress and fatigue. It’s the perfect way to slow down your breathing and let go of your day. 

Increase Lung Capacity

• Pose: Extended Side Angle

• Benefits: This posture will help to open the chest, shoulders and lungs. 

Sculpt Muscles

Yoga is a tough workout! During a class, your instructor will lead you through a carefully-crafted series of poses that are designed to systematically stretch and work every major muscle group. You’ll get a full body workout by the end of class that you’ll definitely feel the next day. 

• Pose: Forearm Stand

• Benefits: This pose requires controlled strength and coordination from several muscles groups incorporating the core, arms and legs. This posture will challenge you to not only build the strength necessary to lift your body onto your arms, but to do it with control and intention.