Let’s face it, at its first reference; Yoga may not come off as the most manly exercise. However that’s simply it-at its first reference. You will realize absolutely nothing might be further from the reality when you delve deeper into it.
More males are discovering this and consequently more American males are now gathering to the yoga mats where when, it appeared, only ladies attempted to tread. However the paradox remains in India where it originated, it wasn’t till just recently that women were even enabled to practice yoga-that with restrictions still used sometimes.
Men now comprise 25 percent of America’s 17 million enthusiasts and this figure is increasing steadily. Due to the fact that several effective males in different walks of life confirm to Yoga’s performance and honestly promote its practice, maybe it may be.
Take Hip-Hop business owner, Russell Simmons for example, when I read he practiced Yoga (similar to Sting, Quincy Jones and Woody Harrelson), it even more increased my belief that in no time perhaps NOT practicing Yoga will be seen as odd.
Okay, possibly I overstated that, however, for Simmons (someone viewed as a leader in such a manly and testosterone driven lifestyle called Hip-Hop) to freely show off his Yoga Skills in a recent issue of the popular Yoga Journal Magazine, don’t be shocked if more ‘cats’ start following suit.
This may happen a lot quicker as I once read in a post online that the effective coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson, typically uses Yoga Philosophies in the training of both groups.
It needed to have been effective if it caused the Bulls being 3-time Champions and the Lakers winning their first champion in 12 years back in 2000, both under his guidance.
Now most men who practice yoga tend to prefer the more athletic, fast-moving styles such as Vinyasa and Ashtanga. Personally, I bow to the easy yet effective Sun Salutations common to the Sivananda design of Yoga.
I revealed this regular and some other balancing postures to a number of good friends once and these tough exercise animals were stunned at how difficult yoga can be.
They discovered that holding the asanas (or presents) such as the peacock position, constructs strength-not the brute strength of a power lifter however the tensile strength of a martial-arts master.
A number of pro-athletes such as the Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George,
Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, Oakland A’s pitcher ace Barry Zito, NBA super star Kevin Garnett and PGA standouts Ty Tyron and David Duval have all at some time attested to this reality.
In either case it goes, Yoga is being rediscovered on a practically day-to-day basis by males as certainly being ‘the’ way to go as far as exercise; in some cases solely, oft-times in combination with more common forms of fitness programs.
Fellas, if you are you stilled not convinced this isn’t just a ‘woman’s workout, do this, go to your preferred search engine, type up one of the following: The Peacock, 4-limbed or wheel present.
Attempt either one for a complete minute and you will be shocked-like my hard as nails friend as soon as said-to discover that “Yoga ain’t no joke!”
Gentlemen, ‘real’ men indeed do practice Yoga.