Real Men and Yoga Five Ways Yoga Improves Your Fitness

By Freddy Margolis, Founder

Real men can, and do, practice yoga. The reasons men are joining this traditionally known women's activity are mounting.

Approximately 15 million people practice yoga. A 2008 study in Yoga Journal indicates that 72.2% are women; 27.8% are men. Believe it or not, professional sports teams, including football and hockey have integrated it into their players' physical routines.

There are several styles of yoga including Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram and Power Yoga or Ashtanga; some more rigorous and challenging than others. Their common denominator is that regular practice has been proven to improve the body, mind and spirit. Consequently, men are joining their female counterparts in the yoga studio.

If you need more convincing, consider these benefits

Total body workout There's a misconception that yoga doesn't offer a complete body workout because it is generally practiced in a calm, controlled environment. It couldn't be further from the truth. Yoga engages the entire body as it moves through the poses or asanas. It fires up the arms, shoulders, core, glutes and legs by toning the body, rebalancing of organ functions, and stretching of muscles and joints. Other sports utilize less than 20% of the body. Finding the right studio and the right yoga style is crucial to continuing the practice.

Better love life Yoga improves your love life. Asanas such as Guarasana, or Eagle Pose send fresh blood and oxygen to the sexual organs. Others enhance cardiovascular endurance.

Enhanced athletic performance Traditional athletes practicing yoga are amazed how quickly it enhances their athletic performances. Yoga requires complete focus, reenergizes the body, loosens stiff joints, and improves flexibility and strength. Need more proof? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attributes yoga to keeping him in professional basketball for over 20 years.

Reduced muscle soreness/stiffness Sports like tennis, running and weightlifting involve stopping/starting, pavement pounding, and repetitive, straining movements, respectively. All contribute to muscle pain and stiffness. Yoga releases stress, relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. It also encourages stretching, which improves mobility.

Cleansed system Yoga movements are interconnected with specific body functions. Consequently, regular practice does induce sweating, particularly in Vinyasa yoga. Perspiration flushes toxins from your body and improves organ functions. Moreover, it encourages more conscious, healthful eating.

So commit to your health and love life. Improve your game. Be a real man do yoga!