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 exclusively male. With the status of a woman, it was generally “all complicated” there: their duty was (and remains) to be engaged in 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, restraint – one of the meanings of the word “yoga”.
That is why the most famous teachers and founders of world-famous yoga schools are men: Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Yoga), Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (try to read his name out loud!) And Swami Sivananda.
Nature is on the side of men: in a year of regular practice, they can overtake a girl who trains five times more
For many men, the possibility of being in an exclusively female society (moreover, in the center of female attention) is a deterrent factor. But on the other hand, the chance to make pleasant acquaintances is great as nowhere 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 photos of those who have been practicing for a long time. Yoga exercises all the muscles in the body. What’s more, some yoga styles emphasize strength training to help build muscle and endurance.
But most importantly, yoga develops mindfulness. By concentrating on sensations in the body, a person is able to do asanas, using the right muscle groups. Yoga helps to rewire our neural connections, developing the skill to effectively control the body. In static asanas, the deep layers of muscles are trained, which form a solid foundation for the development of the whole body.
Asanas provide a good basis for building muscle mass, and mindfulness during practice significantly reduces the risk of injury.
3. Yoga is boring and easy
If your partner or friend disparages yoga as an exercise, chances are he has never tried it in practice. Yoga asanas, especially complex balances, require dexterity and perseverance, they cannot be mastered on the fly. Most asanas have modifications, various complications – it’s easy, and even more so, never boring.
Yoga is based on the principle “from simple to very difficult.” This is an exciting game, a kind of challenge that helps to realize men’s ambitions and increase self-esteem.
4. Yoga – for flexible
It’s hard to believe when you look at the videos of gutta-percha people curling up into unthinkable knots, but flexibility and good stretching are a matter of time. People often come to the first classes, complaining about absolute ossification – but you should have seen them after a few months of practice!
An experienced instructor always matches the level of the student. When you pay due attention to stretching and relaxation, a pleasant “bonus” quickly arises, which other types of physical activity rarely have – the release 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 keep the body and nervous system healthy. And in a healthy body, as we all know, there is a healthy mind.
And contrary to the common misconception among men, you won’t have to become a vegetarian. Yoga does not require giving up your usual diet. Of course, practicing yoga, we begin to be more attentive to ourselves, our body, and the environment, and sometimes there are changes in our diet. But this is a voluntary choice that makes our life better.