5 male misconceptions about yoga

1. Yoga – gymnastics for women

Despite the fact that today the majority of visitors to yoga centers are women, this practice originally appeared in India as an exclusively male practice. With the status of a woman there, in general, “everything is complicated”: their duty was (and remains) to take care of the household and children. It was much easier for a man to become an ascetic and follow strict instructions, including training willpower and intention. By the way, intention, bridle, curbing is one of the meanings of the word “yoga”.

That is why the most famous teachers and founders of the world famous yoga schools are men: Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga yoga), Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (try to read his name aloud!) and Swami Sivananda.

For many men, the opportunity to be in an exclusively female society (moreover, in the center of female attention) is a frightening factor. But on the other hand, the chance to make pleasant acquaintances is greater than anywhere else. Practice shows that such acquaintances often develop into harmonious and long-term relationships.

If we talk about asanas (yoga postures), then nature is on the side of men: in a year of regular practice, they can overtake a girl who trains five times more.

2. Yoga does not develop muscles

This misconception is easily dispelled by itself, if you look at the photographs of those who have been practicing for a long time. Yoga exercises involve all the muscles in the body. What’s more, some yoga styles emphasize strength exercises that help build muscle and endurance.

But most importantly, yoga develops mindfulness. Concentrating on the sensations in the body, a person is able to do asanas, using the necessary muscle groups. Yoga helps to reconfigure our neural connections, developing the ability to effectively control the body. In static asanas, deep layers of muscles are trained, which form a strong foundation for the development of the whole body.

Asanas create a good base for gaining muscle mass, and mindfulness during practice significantly reduces the risk of injury.

3. Yoga is boring and easy

If your partner or friend is dismissive of yoga as a physical activity, chances are they have never actually tried it. Yoga asanas, especially complex balances, require skill and perseverance, they cannot be mastered in one fell swoop. Most asanas have modifications, various complications – it is never easy and even more so boring.

Yoga is based on the principle of “from simple to very complex”. This is an exciting game, a kind of challenge that helps to realize male ambitions and increase self-esteem.

4. Yoga is for the flexible

Looking at videos of gutta-percha people twisting into unthinkable knots, it’s hard to believe, but flexibility and good stretching is a matter of time. People often come to the first classes complaining about absolute stiffness – but you should have seen them after a few months of practice!

An experienced instructor always selects the load corresponding to the level of the student. When you pay due attention to stretching and relaxation, you quickly get a pleasant “bonus” that other types of physical activity rarely have – the removal of tension and blocks, and most importantly, the absence of pain after training.

5. Yoga is a religion

No no and one more time no! Yoga is not a religion, but a set of time-tested first-class techniques that help make the body and nervous system healthy. And in a healthy body, as we all know, there is a healthy mind.

And contrary to a common misconception among men, you don’t have to become a vegetarian. Yoga does not require giving up your usual diet. Of course, by practicing yoga, we begin to be more attentive to ourselves, our body and the environment, and sometimes there are changes in our diet. But it is a voluntary choice that makes our lives better.