More men discovering yoga

There’s a new phenomenon in the world of yoga – more men.  It used to be mostly women who filled yoga studios, clad in clingy outfits allowing movement. Slowly but surely, the look of a yoga class is changing in that more men are discovering the benefits of this ancient practice in sculpting and building muscle, improving flexibility and balance, and in relieving stress. 

Many yoga studios have seen an increase in men joining classes within the past couple of years. A 2016 poll estimates that men make up 28% of the 36 million Americans who practice yoga.  From noose pose to locust pose to the all-time favorite downward dog pose, men are getting bendy and benefitting from these moves in the following ways:

·      Stress reduction

Almost anyone who practices yoga will agree it has a reputation for relieving and reducing stress.  Men also agree.  A host of recent research has found that yoga does indeed reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving memory. 

·      Heart health

The leading killer of men in the U.S. is heart disease.  This is where yoga can be their ally in fighting off this disease.  Daily yoga has been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol in older men, according to a meta-analysis.  Hypertension and high cholesterol are both major risk factors for heart disease. 

·      Improves balance

As all of us get older, preventing falls becomes more important than ever.  Preventing falls and injury requires good balance.  And five months of regular yoga gave men substantially better posture and balance, which was found in a 2014 study in the International Journal of Yoga.

·      Better body image

Even guys care how they look and yoga can help improve their self-image.  Men who practiced yoga have a better body image than those who worked out in a gym, a recent study found.  Yoga also improved their sex life, with men reporting more desire, control, and stamina. 

·      Reduced anxiety

Men may not always show it, but many do suffer from anxiety.  According to a study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress Disorders and Treatment, Vietnam vets who practiced yoga, had fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Another study found police cadets who took just six yoga classes had reduced tension and anger. 

·      Insomnia relief

A study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that after eight weeks of yoga, 40 males with insomnia (which can increase stress) were significantly less stressed and more self-confident.  Other research suggests that regular yoga might improve sleep quality and duration.