Walk into any yoga studio in the country and it’s likely than the women outnumber the men four to one. Although attitudes might be slowly changing, yoga is still a fitness activity dominated by women. But a regular yoga practice has a plethora of benefits for anyone, regardless of age or gender. Here are just five reasons men should consider picking up a yoga habit.
1. Yoga is one heck of a workout. Although yoga has a reputation for being practiced by thin, willowy women, it is actually an amazing way for any type of person to stay in shape. Yoga is definitely not as easy as it looks and requires a combination of strength, mobility and mental determination. It is challenging for anyone, whether they are runners, athletes or avid body builders.
2. Yoga can help your other active hobbies. Yoga keeps you strong, flexible and determined. Healthy stretching actually plays a critical role in building lean muscle. Yoga is also excellent for alleviating injuries and pain; enhancing and improving your other fitness activities.
3. Yoga relieves stress. In our fast-paced world of constant activity, it can be hard to take a minute for yourself and just breathe. Yoga can provide the much needed break that our weary bodies and minds crave. Various studies have found yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety and even depression. Taking 30 minutes or an hour a day to keep the focus inward can do wonders for your general mood and health.
4. Yoga keeps you in tune with your body. Yoga is a great way to listen to your body. It’s no secret that many yoga practitioners are more aware of and deeply connected to their body. Body awareness is a great way to help stave off injuries that can occur in active lifestyles. Yogis are also typically much more aware of what they eat and they it affects them, helping to foster healthier food choices.
5. Yoga improves your overall health. The health benefits of yoga are varied and numerous. Spinal twists can improve your digestion, flexibility and your body’s natural detoxification processes. Many yoga poses can help create strong core muscles, increase circulation and balance your metabolism. Yoga, if practiced regularly, has been shown to help you sleep better and improve your immune system function. In short, yoga helps you to be the best you you can.
