Gentle business: why men should pay attention to yoga too?

Yoga has been practiced in India for many millennia. It improves the general condition of the body and provides spiritual and psychological growth. Initially, this practice was developed by men. And the first exercises, which have come down to us from antiquity, were designed for the representatives of this sex.

However, today the classes are mostly attended by girls. Guys are quite wary of yoga, including because of the stereotype that such practices are exclusively female. Why men should still pay attention to this Indian movement, explains professional powerlifter, two-time world champion Sergei Skolsky.

Why don’t men like to do yoga?

Among the main reasons is the influence of marketing. Almost all yoga studios use female images in advertising and count on female audience.

Another reason is the competitive spirit inherent in many men. Often yoga is perceived as any other sport, in which it is necessary to be faster, higher, stronger. While by nature guys are much less flexible than girls. Besides, the peculiarities of the skeleton structure – namely the hip joint – allow ladies to perform a wider range of asanas.

Most men find it difficult to admit that they are not flexible enough. That is why they are afraid to attend classes, not realizing that they are just aimed at developing plasticity and improving the body.

What is yoga useful for men?

In general, physical exercises and breath control allow you to saturate the body with oxygen and work all muscle groups. In addition, yoga helps to relax and rest the head, distracting from pressing problems.

Fights stress

Many people today are exposed to stress on a regular basis. This weakens the immune system and causes various diseases.

And daily experiences are equally subject to women and men. But in the weaker sex, the body produces the hormone oxytocin, pushing them to social contacts and search for support. While men tend to withdraw into themselves and seek solitude, as a result of which they do not get an emotional release.

Studies have proven that yoga can reduce the levels of cortisol, a hormone that is produced in stressful situations. Gradually, people become less susceptible to irritants and the body is better able to deal with inflammatory processes.

Helps to overcome depression

Depression is a condition extremely unpleasant and even dangerous. Men in such situations become embittered and aggressive, they are tormented by insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, and constant worry provoke additional stress. Turning to doctors, they mention different symptoms, and specialists are not always able to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Yoga, of course, is not a panacea at all. Nevertheless, it can reduce anxiety and lift your mood. And thanks to the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid, the mental state is significantly improved.

Improves mental ability and attention

Many men are put off by the spiritual component of yoga. Meditative practices, reciting mantras, breathing exercises – some consider it something frivolous and esoteric. However, they are mistaken.

It is proven that meditation improves a person’s thinking ability, allows him to make decisions faster, and better concentrate on tasks. Even one practice has a positive effect on memory. But to get a long-term effect, it is necessary to perform practices regularly.

Relieves back pain and improves heart function

A sedentary lifestyle coupled with intense exercise in the gym damages the joints, leading to discomfort in the neck and lower back. Yoga, on the other hand, has an analgesic effect.

Together with high-intensity interval training, oriental practices have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system: they reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and generally improve heart function.

Develops athletic qualities

Exercises from yoga develop flexibility, concentration and coordination of movements.
These qualities, in turn, will help you achieve better results in any sport.

Safety rules when practicing yoga

Because men are often larger and more powerful than women, it is not uncommon for them to get injured during their first yoga classes. The most common injuries include torn ligaments, dislocated joints and pinched nerve endings.

For safe practices, you should not chase the result from the first days. It is necessary to concentrate on breathing and body position, to feel every movement. You should not be in a hurry and with complex asanas – everything in its own time.

If you do your best, regular yoga practice will eventually provide you with a strong body, flexibility, mental clarity and spiritual balance.