by Ransom Noble

Created on: January 25, 2009

More than half the books on yoga refer to an old man from India who shared knowledge with others. These gurus paved the way for the discipline we follow, whether we embrace all the teachings of it or not. Why are men so rare to see in classes?

The answer may lie in the how yoga is portrayed. Often on the cover of magazines or books someone in a contorted pose shows off something that looks like it takes great flexibility. These flashy poses inspire some to reach new heights, but it can also discourage beginners. Advanced poses are not simply based on flexibility. Many require strength, balance, and concentration.

When I see men in practice, I am often impressed by how easy they make some of the poses look. Many times they lack the flexibility that many women have, but everyone starts at different places and with separate goals in a yoga practice. Beginning students sometimes think flexibility is one of the only things to learn with yoga, and western culture does not revere this as an attribute of men.

Yoga is a discipline with many benefits. Balance is one of overlooked, and this does not only mean the ability to stand on one foot. It evens the strength between the sides of your body. It offers a way to be both strong and flexible. You learn yourself better in the process, bringing peace within the self and greater mindfulness to all your actions. Patience is required to hold a pose for a certain time before moving, and gives you a better handle on minor annoyances in daily life.

With the many benefits of a yoga discipline, it is a wonder why more men do not embrace it. The seeming ease with which advanced practitioners achieve some of the poses belies the difficulty of yoga itself.

Men who choose this path have much to gain and little to lose. If others would give men who practice yoga issues about their decision to follow the discipline, it brings an idea of a challenge to my mind. Who isn't better off with the ability to balance on one foot, to be able to touch your toes, or to twist to each side? Think about putting on your shoes in the morning. Remember how difficult it is to reach things you dropped on the floor. It would be nice to merge into traffic or keep an eye on children without straining your neck. Yoga connects a person to many benefits of daily life outside of the postures. Have the courage to allow yoga to open your mind and body to new things no matter your gender.

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