Yoga for Men: Great Tips to Get Started
Yoga encompasses a systematic practice of breath control, meditation, positive thinking, and physical exercise. However, yoga might be a turn-off for most men, because these days, it’s mostly focused on women. In addition to that, Instagram has many pictures of women in bendy poses, and it’s somehow understandable that many men give yoga a wide berth.
Men don’t have to be involved in those quasi-gymnastic maneuvers to get yoga benefits. The basic pose of yoga can be enough to help men become confident, flexible, and strong. Thus, you have nothing to worry about in case you are incapable of doing splits or getting your legs behind your head. There is much to yoga, and to help you get started, here are tips to consider.
- Mind What You Eat
Attending yoga classes with a full belly may cause gurgling, embarrassing gas, bloating, and major stomachache. The rule of thumb is to avoid eating two hours before going for the lessons. However, if you must eat, you can take salad, soup, or vegetables to avoid painful digestive issues.
After you become acclimated to the way your body responds to your eating schedule, you can slightly adjust your routine. For instance, if you realize that you become light-headed and hungry during the lessons, you may consider taking a snack. You can eat something which can curb your appetite and offers you lasting energy. Some of the foodstuffs you could eat are:
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- An apple
- Almonds
- A banana
- Get the Right Clothes
Like other sports, putting the right clothes will make a significant difference to your yoga classes. As such, it can be vital to look for the perfect pieces, which will help you stay comfortable, stretch, and bend throughout the lessons. Fortunately, great active-wear brands are waiting to offer you all the gears needed to become a successful yogi.
When investing in male yoga pants, ensure you consider the type of material. Quality material will ensure you trap heat, avoid itchiness, and sag after the lessons. Most of the best pants are made of bamboo, an organic and natural material that is processed into a breathable and light fabric called viscose or rayon. Because of its ability to regulate temperature, the yoga pants can keep you dry and cool when exercising. Though you can also find other perfect pants made of:
- Organic cotton
- Synthetics
- Cotton-synthetic blends
- Learn the Best Poses
Currently, there are many yoga styles, so finding the best one can help you keep up with the exercise. For men looking for a simple and effective style, they can consider mountain (Tadasana). This style strengthens and regains the flexibility of the feet, and if done well, it can enhance your posture.
Tree (Vrksasana) is another standing pose that can improve your focus and strengthen muscles in the thighs, calves, and ankles. If you concentrate on the style, it may help you stretch your groin muscles and inner thighs. However, there are other styles, which can also be effective; they include:
- Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
- High Lunge
- Boat (Navasana)
- Bridge
- Locust (Salabhasana)
The Bottom Line!
It’s high time you roll out a yoga mat and learn the combination of mental and physical exercises, which has hooked many yoga practitioners across the world for many years. The best thing about yoga is that it’s not a must you become a yogi to enjoy the benefits. Whether you are old or young, yoga can strengthen your body and calm the mind. Don’t get intimidated that yoga is for women alone. It’s also meant for men!