Yoga for men: a practice that will do you good

Why get into men’s yoga? 

A man can also benefit from a yoga session! The practice of yoga for men can have positive effects on physical condition and health. Yogic activity is an excellent way to develop mental and emotional intelligence. Practicing yoga for men can significantly improve the quality of life. 

Improved flexibility and mobility

Yoga is an opportunity for men to work on their flexibility and their mobility For prevent injuries. Indeed, this discipline requires exercising wide movements in order to better absorb shock that the body experiences during physical activities, which minimizes muscle or joint injuries. 

Moreover, the flexibility exercises allow the muscles not very flexible to solidify, so as not to create imbalances which would increase the risk of injury.    

Then, having good mobility and flexibility facilitates the movements of daily life and allows you to remain agile for many years. 

Balanced muscle strengthening

First of all, yoga engages the entire body for a complete muscle development. In fact, each posture works different muscle groups for better harmony between the stabilizing muscles and the main muscles. This aspect promotes uniform muscle development. 

Furthermore, the yoga combines muscle strengthening with postures that promote flexibility. This mixture ensures strength in the muscles while maintaining ample movements to avoid stiffening of large muscles. 

Better stress management

Yoga is often associated with tranquility and for good reason, one of the essential components is conscious breathing. By learning to control and to regulate there breathing, men have access to a tool that allows them tosoothe the nervous system et reduce stress levels. In addition, this ability makes it easier to manage stressful situations. 

Also, yoga postures mixed with deep relaxation techniques allow to release physical tension. On the other hand, the meditation and the pclear conscience help to release mental tension and emotional. Thus, the man is relaxed and stress is reduced.   

Additionally, studies have shown that regular yoga practice reduces the production of stress hormones, notably adrenaline and cortisol. In this way, by balancing the endocrine system, yoga helps keep stress levels low.  

Stress reduced thanks to the mind

What helps reduce stress is also concentration and the mental clarity generated by mindfulness. Meditation and breathing techniques allow you to calm the flow of thoughts. 

Finally, yoga strengthens the ability to face challenges by cultivating awareness and learning to accept situations as they are, which helps develop a emotional resilience facing stress. 

Improved sports performance

Yoga postures and sequences require a coordination between body and mind. Thus, a synchronization appears, which strengthens the connection between the muscles and the brain to have precise and controlled movements on the ground. 

Also, yoga provides functional strength, that is, the ability to use a sport-specific force. In the case of yoga, athletic movements are applied. 

Finally, yoga promotes better blood and lymphatic circulation, what accelerates recovery after an intensive workout.  

Better pain management

Thanks to the sequences of yoga postures which stretch THE muscles in depth, the release of tension is favored and muscle aches as well as stiffness are relieved. 

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxation and regeneration, reduces cortisol production and releases happiness hormones.  

Then, full awareness of the body allows men to recognize the first signals of pain in order to adjust movements to avoid overloading sensitive areas. 

Mind-body coherence

Yoga is based on synchronization between breathing and movement. This connection allows you to have a deep awareness of the body as well as linking physiological functions to mental clarity. 

Also, yoga works on both physical and mental strength, which allows you to be at listening to your body, adopt better posture habits. 

The perfect yoga postures for men

Men's yoga offers a series of postures that help develop strength, stability and balance. There are positions that highlight physical power while preserving the harmony of body and mind that you can test during a yoga class. 

The board

Plank pose is a basic pose that develops upper body strength, strengthens arms, shoulders, core and stabilizer muscles. Thus, it is made for men who wish improve their muscles, balance and endurance. Also effective for related yoga & flat stomach.

To perform this posture, lie on your stomach, feet together and toes pointing down, place your palms under your shoulders, fingers pointing forward with your elbows bent and close to the body. Next, engage your abdominal muscles and straighten your legs, elevating your toes. Then, inhale, push yourself upwards using your arms. Be careful not to let your hips sag or raise them too high. Keep your body in a straight line with your spine. Breathe regularly and hold the posture for at least 20 seconds. 

Downward facing dog

Downward facing dog pose offers many benefits, including developing upper body strength, stretching the leg muscles and spine, and promoting relaxation. For those who are looking to improve their flexibility, strength and balance, this posture is educational. You will find this posture in yin yoga. 

To reproduce one of the yin yoga postures, get on all fours on your yoga mat in table position. Place your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Then, as you exhale, push your hips toward the ceiling while keeping your knees bent, straighten your legs as much as possible, trying to bring your heels closer to the floor. Then, stretch your arms and legs forward, palms anchored into the floor. Stay like this for 30 seconds, breathing regularly. 

The chair

This posture strengthens the leg muscles, core and stabilizing muscles, useful for men looking to develop their muscles and balance. 

Start by standing in an upright position with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Inhale, raise your arms above your head and your palms face each other. Bend your knees slightly and sit in an imaginary chair. Continue by lowering your hips, activating your abdominal muscles to keep your back straight. Hold this posture for 20 to 30 seconds.  

Slot

The lunge pose strengthens the legs, stretches the hips and improves balance. 

Start in an upright position. Take a breath and take a long stride backwards with your right foot. Slightly bend your left knee. Then, lower your hips by bending your left knee. Engage your abdominal muscles, keep your arms extended upwards, palms facing each other. Hold this posture for 20 to 30 seconds. 

The Warrior II

This posture combines flexibility, strength and balance. To do it, stand in the middle of the yoga mat. Take a breath, place your feet one meter apart, then turn your right foot 90° outwards so that it is perpendicular to the other foot. Next, bend your right knee, extend your arms out to the side, palms facing down while engaging your abdominal muscles. Hold the posture for 30 seconds. 

The seated twist 

The seated twist allows you to release back tension, soften the spine and stimulate the internal organs. 

In order to carry out this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Straighten your back and keep your shoulders relaxed. Start by bending your right knee and placing your right foot on the outside of your left thigh. Do the same with your left leg. Next, bring your left hand behind your back, placing it near your right hip. Raise your right arm toward the sky, then bend your elbow and place it on the outside of your left knee. Finally, use your right arm as leverage to help you turn to the right. Hold the posture as much as you like. 

The benefits

Although yoga is known as being accessible to women, it also has a multitude of benefits. profits for men : 

• Improved flexibility and mobility

• Muscle strengthening

• Better stress management

• More performance

• Better pain management

• Better body-mind balance

The essentials of yoga for men

Firstly, we saw the reasons why you should get started in men's yoga:

• Improved flexibility and mobility

• Balanced muscle strengthening 

• Better stress management

• Improved sports performance

• Better pain management

• Mind-body coherence

We continued by exploring the best postures for men : 

• The board

• Downward facing dog

• The chair

• Slot

• The Warrior II

• The seated twist 

Finally, we were interested in benefits of this yoga: 

• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Muscle strengthening

• Better stress management

• More performance

• Better pain management

• Better body-mind balance

Be intense at POSES

At POSES we are inclusive, that is, even if you are a man, you can benefit from our 50 minute intensive workout sessions where you can benefit from muscle strengthening by carrying out the movements, transitions and postures ideal for your expectations. 

Improve your entire body under the watchful eye of our coaches as well as under a dim light perfect for rebuilding your muscles. And to boost you, exclusive playlists are made for you!

Treat yourself to POSES!