Why Real Men Do Yoga
by C. A. Human
Y
oga instructors in the U.S. know that many men originally viewed yoga as little more than a woman’s stretching class, with New Age music playing in the background. Today, they can point to scores of professional and amateur athletes who practice yoga and have honed their bodies to a fitness level most men only dream about. From the National Football League (NFL) to the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NAS- CAR), men are making yoga a part of their daily ex- ercise routine. Even mixed martial arts profession- als, noted for their full-contact fighting skills, are discovering yoga’s benefits. Boys in youth sports such as soccer and tennis are participating, as well. Yoga has arrived, and real men are doing it.
Yoga postures require a combination of flexibility, isometric contractions and isotonic resistance. When we pump our biceps and contract them for as long as we can, we experience an isometric contraction—adding resistance to a muscle without moving it through a range of motion. When motion and muscle contrac- tions are combined, as in pumping weights, we experience isotonic resistance. Many of yoga’s stretching poses that are held in place require isometric con- tractions. Others, such as the yoga push-up, combine isometric and isotonic work. A typical yoga class consists of several of these muscular contractions and stretch- es, all linked together through slow, controlled breathing techniques. Although this sounds easy to most men, yoga practice requires a combination of mental
focus and physical toughness that can challenge even the “macho” athlete. Stepping up to the plate—or onto the mat—is well worth it, though. Yo- ga’s proven benefits include increased muscle strength, deeper breathing, improved attention and concentration levels and a greater degree of flexibility and elasticity.
Yoga can also protect against and offer relief from muscle injuries. Years spent lifting weights and pursu- ing weekend sports can shorten ten- dons and eventually, pull the spine out of alignment, leading to chronic back pain. Yoga can return fluidity to stiffened joints, loosen taut ligaments and release gravity-induced stress that builds up in the spine. Regular sessions can even help correct the alignment of the spinal column, improving overall posture.
Guys, don’t discount what this low-impact practice can offer. Yoga can build muscles and balance while boosting stamina, giving you extra endurance for your favorite exercise or sports.
C.A. Human is a certified holistic fit- ness professional, author of A Lifestyle Worth Living, founder of Generation-
Awareness.org and a master personal trainer, yoga instructor and meditation coach. Call 239-398-9123 or email
CaHuman@generationawareness.org.
Yoga postures require a combination of fl exibility, isometric contractions and isotonic resistance.
natural awakenings
June 2010
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