Benefits of Yoga for Men, Uncover the Surprising Strength-Building Secrets!

Benefits of yoga for men are often forgotten. The numbers of men taking up yoga are increasing but slowly.

According to recent studies there are still barriers stopping men practising yoga, who may have this idea that yoga is for women or not physical enough.

Yoga was once a practice known to help with flexibility and tranquility, is now readily available to people from all walks of life, this includes men.

Studies also show that yoga is beneficial for men’s mental health.

The belief that yoga is for women is quickly being dispelled as more men discover the amazing benefits of yoga.

Men have some unique advantages when practicing yoga, so let’s tackle any stereotypes and let the world know that yoga improves your strength, balance and overall well being and is absolutely perfect for men!

Physical benefits of yoga for men

Improved flexibility

Yoga is an excellent way that you can improve your flexibility. Contrary to the belief that your either born flexible or not, yoga proves that this rumour is not true and that everyone can become more flexible with practice. Yoga strenghtens and lengthen’s your muscles for better flexibility for men.

Builds strength

Yoga is well known for helping us to build flexibility, but it is equally as powerful in building strength. The variety of poses in yoga use many different muscle groups and are often held for extended periods of time. This is very beneficial for men who want to complement their existing strengthening training they are doing.

Joint health and prevention of injury

Lots of men are involved in high impact sports or weight training, this puts stress on your joints. Yoga’s low impact postures, together with its focus on joint mobility is an excellent injury prevention practice. The alignment of poses and controlled movements help to give your joints the support they need for a lifetime.

Increased energy and endurance

Yoga has many sequences of movements which over time will increase your energy levels and ability for endurance. When you make these yoga practices part of your schedule they can increase your lung capacity, heart health, overall stamina and energy levels for other physical activities.

Full body workout

Many other exercises focus on working particular muscles, yoga engages many different groups of muscles, giving men a full body workout. This makes sure that you have an even muscle distribution and all muscles are kept toned and you look more in proportion.

Improved sexual performance

Men who practice yoga have better blood circulation and this includes to the sexual organs. This can improve erectile function and also reduce the risk of premature ejaculation.

Reduced pain

Yoga can help to relieve tension in the muscles and reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can help to lessen the pain in your back, neck or other areas of the body. Due to the lower inflammation levels you will also have a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Mental benefits of yoga for men

Lower stress levels

Today’s fast paced life along with the demands on us can create a huge feeling of stress on our shoulders. The focus on controlled breathing and mindfulness promotes the parasympathetic nervous system to kick into gear which lowers our stress and helps us feel more relaxed. Men have traditionally been told to be strong and this can be a valuable tool for your emotional well being.

Better quality of sleep

Men who have issues getting enough sleep or who have insomnia will find yoga a massive help in calming down the body and mind. Meditation and breathing techniques can be really helpful in improving sleep quality, making sure men wake up feeling refreshed.

Focus and a clear head

We are all encouraged in yoga to be present in the moment, this helps with concentration and mental clarity. If you are a man who has a demanding work environment or other mental health challenges, yoga can offer you the mental discipline needed to face these challenges more easily.

Mood stability and emotional regulation

If you are someone who hasn’t worked out your emotions fully, yoga is a safe space to explore this. Men are often taught not to express their emotions, yoga can be used as a path to more healthy expression of emotions and better regulation of them too.

Boost to confidence and self awareness

We discover a deeper connection between mind and body in yoga practice, this encourages self-reflection and more awareness of who we are and what we want. It can be liberating for men in particular to feel much more confident, knowing that they have tackled some of these issues and know themselves.

Social and lifestyle benefits of yoga for men

Community and connection

Turning up for yoga classes on a regular basis creates a little community of like minded people for you to connect with. Men can sometimes be reluctant to get involved in group activities have an opportunity to do this with yoga. Sharing yoga with others can give you a sense of belonging and motivation.

Improved relationships

The mindfulness and emotional regulation you develop while doing yoga can have a postitive impact on your relationships. Men who practice yoga may find they are better able to manage conflicts, communicate better and have deeper connections with others.

Better posture and self awareness

Many yoga postures have a focus on straightening up your spine and standing tall, this improves your posture outside of yoga class too. Men are often susceptible to bad posture from sitting for too long, so you can then use yoga to fix up these issues.

Complements other training

Men engaged in other sports, weight lifting or other fitness activities can use yoga as a cross training tool to improve performance, prevent injuries and improve your overall athletic abilities.

Stress management

Men managing demanding professional situations can use yoga as a tool to help lower the stress. Including short yoga sessions into work routines can improve team resilience and productivity.

Practical Tips for Men Starting Yoga

Start with beginner classes

It’s best to join a yoga class when you first start to get the general idea and understanding of how it all works. If you’re not able to do this there are some very good online options as well such as Yoga with Tim and Yoga with Adriene. Beginner classes will focus on foundational poses and ensuring correct alignment.

Try different yoga styles

There are so many different styles of yoga you will definitely find one that suits you and your goals.

Get yourself a yoga mat

Yoga mat’s give you the correct level of cushioning and personal space for your to do your practice. There are lots of options here too but here are some of the best for 2024. Men tend to sweat, so this is another reason to consider getting a mat, so you can keep your space hygienic and clean.

Listen to your body

Pay attention to your body’s signs and don’t push yourself too hard too fast. Never keep going if a particular pose is causing your discomfort or pain.

Consistency over intensity

It’s always a bad idea to go in like a bull at a gate with yoga. Just do regular short stints of yoga to begin with and get used to the poses and flexibility needed slowly. Then as time goes by you can begin to increase the intensity.

FAQ’s

Can men with no prior flexibility practice yoga?

Of course, yoga can be adapted to all fitness levels so anyone is able to join in. Consistent practice will lead to better flexibility in the future.

What are the best types of yoga poses for men?

The best types of yoga poses for men include the warrior pose, the downward dog pose, and the tree pose.

Is yoga a good addition to weightlifting or other forms of exercise for men?

Yes, yoga is an excellent addition to improve your performance in any other form of exercise because it works many different muscle groups.

Is yoga enough to keep you fit?

Yoga is a great way to stay fit, but it’s not enough on it’s own. It’s a good idea to add other forms of exercise into your routine to have a full body workout.

What do men wear for yoga?

Something comfortable, with a breathable material is best. You might get quite sweaty, depending on which style of yoga you choose so maybe even bring a small towel. A yoga mat is a common accessory along with props( but this is generally later down the track).

Should I do yoga before or after a workout?

It’s best to do yoga after a workout, because yoga is more about stretching your muscles it will reduce the risk of injury.

Can yoga help with muscle recovery for men engaged in intense physical activities?

Yes, yoga can help in muscle recovery by improving circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and enhancing flexibility. Gentle yoga sessions or restorative practices are particularly good for recovery.

How often should men do yoga to see results?

I would usually suggest at least 3 sessions per week before you will start to see results. Making yoga a habit in your life is a key to really reaping the benefits.