by Jerome Espinosa Baladad

Created on: October 14, 2010

The combination of men and yoga may be considered awkward by some. Yet, we hear that even the US Army Training Program (read about the news here) has now incorporated in its daily routines for recruits not only pilates, but, most interestingly, that of yoga, too. With majority of army recruits being men, we can say that in time, more men will be “recruited” to avail themselves of yoga routines and its consequent benefits. This news may also lead to an over-all big boost to yoga enthusiasts (and yoga studios) who have always known the benefits of doing yoga, and who may in turn persuade other men in their respective networks.

Men and yoga, essentially, have immense common links, not only because we know that a number of the early mentors and devotees of yoga (when introduced into the Western world) were, indeed, men. Early images of pioneers who were into yoga before it became relatively popular the world over have been men. But there seems to be a wide disconnect that most practitioners can perceive, and even become highlighted, during conversations. Try observing men’s reactions when a yogi attempts to relate and persuade other friends (including men) to come and participate in learning and doing the various asana. There’s a certain level of hesitancy, which can be explained in many levels.

One major perception on yoga is that it’s not being “manly” enough for men to get themselves actively participating (and would prefer just to watch the women-folk) into. This maybe considered ridiculous right on the onset (and considering that even the US Army nowadays uses yoga routines, as well). There’s a need to create stronger awareness on regular men who are actually doing yoga. This writer is aware of these efforts by certain yogi-teachers, having been doing yoga, and he does it even in the nude in a yoga studio currently in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York (check this site). He has also heard from one of the men he met at the yoga studio about another studio where there are mixed groups of men and women doing yoga in the nude somewhere in Downtown Manhattan.

This kind of offering continues to happen, and this writer attends to from time to time. Definitely, this yoga practice has certain attractions, (and not to include the benefits yet) and obvious appeal (as they “play in the minds” of those who become aware of these activities). But it’s farther from whatever malice people may cast on yoga, whether done with clothes on or in the nude. Men who have been attending with this writer do serious yoga, and some of them have been doing the various asana in other gyms, too – they apparently like to see variations and would like to be relatively unhampered with restrictions brought about by clothing (as the various asana can bring yogis to much sweating after at least half an hour, and provide other benefits) on.

And this aspect (based on this writer’s experience) is, probably, going too far for this topic. But it remains to be unclear why men and yoga can’t go together (whereas most women are already convinced of its benefits). Among other things, doing yoga helps in exercising and stretching the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones – very critical in keeping balance, and in managing pain to some extent. Breathing becomes more focused – the yogi starts to pay more attention inwardly despite continuing distractions outside. Men can always use these help, when they start engaging in the various yoga asana – and here’s this expressed optimism they will do so in more numbers soon.

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