fitbody
MEN ON THE MAT
by Nancy Mahon
guru. However, as yoga migrated west, the practice mostly caught the attention of the female population. Classes were predominately female with a few men sprinkled in between for good measure. That’s no longer the case as more and more men are rediscovering the well- rounded benefits of yoga. As the practice becomes more
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mainstream, men are gaining on the women for mat space in studios, work- shops are geared more toward men’s interests and there is an increase in men becoming yoga instructors. Here are just some of benefits men
can expect from yoga practice.
Flexibility and Physical Strength
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Former athletes can regain their agility and balance with the body. Non-ath- letes can begin to build a solid founda- tion of long, lean muscles that they may not have used before. Through yoga and its various stretching and contracting of core muscle groups and secondary muscles, the body begins to sculpt and strengthen. Yoga is great for working through muscle stiff- ness as well.
Healthy Organs
Yoga helps flush the system of toxins
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ook at any picture of ancient eastern yogis and you will un- doubtedly be looking at a male
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through stretching and contraction of the body organs. Like the wringing of a sponge the body releases stored toxins and makes way for fresh blood and oxygen into the system. This allows the body to perform and function at a more optimal level. Yoga helps keep the pelvic floor supple and strong which improves the function of the prostate, sexual organs and elimination. Addi- tionally, the spinal column is strength- ened and the overall connective tissue of the fascia is reinvigorated each time a man steps on his mat.
Mental Agility
The consistent practice of yoga once or twice a week will increase the mind’s ability to focus for longer periods of time. As a man’s responsibilities increase through life changes such as work (or lack of), home and caretaking, more concentration is needed to stay present in the moment and not be- come overwhelmed. Mental clarity is key for staying ground- ed. Yoga helps to increase mental function.
Finding Balance
Everyone needs bal- ance. Since many male dominated forms of fitness are competitive, men can counterbalance these with their inherent ability to
Photo © lululemon athletica / flickr
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