Guys…Here Are The Answers To Your Yoga Questions!
Written by: Steve Sampson, RYT-500, ERYT-200, YACEP
Medical journals, instagram posts, and everything in-between have highlighted the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Yoga can help improve strength, balance and flexibility. It has been linked to stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. But while these benefits are found across all demographics, statistically less than 30% of yoga practitioners in the U.S. identify as male. So guys….what’s it going to take to get you to a class?
If you’re reading this article, I’m going to guess that you’re at least thinking about trying yoga, but might have some questions. Great! Here are a few frequently asked questions that may help you decide to experience the benefits of yoga for yourself. Now these are questions that anyone may have, but in my years of practicing and teaching yoga, these are the recurring themes I hear from guys who are on the fence about trying a class.
I’m not flexible, can I still do yoga?
Yes! Yoga practice is just that, practice. Just as you lift weights to build strength or visit a driving range to improve your golf game, regular yoga practice may help you increase your flexibility and range of motion. Being flexible is not a prerequisite to practicing yoga.
That said, to have a good experience at your first yoga class, be sure to review the class descriptions and choose a class that aligns with your interests. You probably wouldn’t want to drop into your first class and find out it’s an advanced headstand workshop…I know I wouldn’t! Classes can be gentle or more vigorous, may focus on a particular technique or area of the body, or may target a specific audience (such as “yoga for runners”). And some classes do incorporate more of the philosophical or spiritual aspects of practice, which may not appeal to everyone. To help you select a class that’s appropriate to your needs, check out this recent Serenity blog that provides a quick review of common styles of yoga, as well as the class descriptions on the Serenity website.
Between sports and work, I’m already pretty active. Why should I practice yoga?
There are many benefits to adding some yoga practice to your current activities. As you gain flexibility and range of motion, you may be less prone to injury during other activities. Certain types of yoga can aid in developing strength and resilience in the body. A regular yoga practice helps with your mental focus. Many professional athletes incorporate yoga into their overall training routine to help prepare their bodies and minds for top performance in their sport…the same techniques can help enhance your own lifestyle!
Do I need to wear special clothes for a yoga class?
Most experts agree that you cannot have a successful yoga practice without a trendy outfit that is color-coordinated to your yoga mat….just kidding! The types of clothes that you wear for other physical activities (sweat pants, running shorts, tee shirts) are perfectly fine for yoga. You just want to be able to move comfortably. Yoga is typically practiced in bare feet, so you will not need any special footwear (there is space in the studio to store your shoes before you enter class). Truth be told, the black running shorts that I often wear to class have been in my closet for over a decade and cost less than $10 (and yes, they do make it to the laundry basket on occasion).
Do I need to bring a yoga mat or any other gear for yoga practice?
No, everything you will need to start a yoga practice is available to borrow during class at the studio, including yoga mats and other props. As you become a regular yoga practitioner, you may want to purchase your own mat. Yoga mats are available for purchase at the studio, and are widely available from department stores and many of the same sources you use for other athletic gear. One nice development in recent years is that yoga mats can be purchased in different sizes to support a range of body proportions. My personal mat is longer and wider than the “standard” 24x68” mat, which better accommodates my larger body type.
OK, I’m ready to try yoga…how do I get started?
While any class welcomes new students, a beginner class may provide a good first yoga experience. These classes typically move at a slower pace and incorporate more detailed breakdowns of key postures and movements to help you learn the mechanics of the physical side of yoga practice.
Steve Sampson has been teaching since 2014, and is known for exploring the physical, energetic, and philosophical practices of yoga with an emphasis on pursuing functional health and holistic wellness. When he’s not teaching yoga, Steve has a “day job” with a Fortune 100 corporation and enjoys long-distance cycling, woodworking, and relaxing with his family.
You can join Steve for practice at Serenity every Wednesday night (Yoga Basics, 6:00 to 7:00 pm) and Saturday morning (Yin Yoga, 7:30 to 8:30 am).
Head over to Steve’s Site to learn more!