Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility, build strength and reduce stress, but many men are hesitant to try the practice. However, yoga has come far since the 1960s and early 1970s when it was considered mostly a women’s activity. In fact, more than twice as many men practiced yoga in 2010 as did in 2001, according to the Yoga Journal’s report on National Yoga Trends. Here are some of the top benefits of yoga for men that may help you decide if the practice is worth trying.
Why More Men Are Practicing Yoga and Seeing Great Results – Presented by “Introduction to Yoga and Meditation” by Maxwell Alexander
Improved mental health
Yoga has been shown to help with mental health, specifically anxiety and depression. It can also help treat addiction, which is another large part of mental health. One study showed that people suffering from chronic pain who participated in a yoga program reported a decrease in their pain levels as well as an improved quality of life. There are many different types of poses you can practice for your mental health- some may be more therapeutic than others depending on the situation you are facing. The Hatha style is one of the most popular ways to get started because it offers poses that are easy for beginners while still being challenging enough for advanced practitioners. Another great way to improve your mental health through yoga is by meditating.
Increased flexibility
Yoga can help increase your flexibility, which is essential for a healthy back. The poses in yoga stretch the muscles and tend to them more than most other workouts. This increases their elasticity, which makes them less likely to snap back into place when you’re moving around. It also strengthens the core of your body, which helps improve posture and balance. There are plenty of yoga poses that target your lower back and hamstrings, which reduces the likelihood of injuries down there. As an added bonus, doing deep squats while holding each position stretches those areas too! If you have any type of back problems or feel discomfort in these areas, this could be just what you need to stay healthy.
An improved sex life
You don’t have to experience a sexual issue for it to affect your relationship with your partner. Research shows that guys who practice yoga are significantly less likely to report having erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation compared with those who don’t do any exercise at all. Plus, stress-relieving poses like Corpse Pose (savasana) can help you last longer in bed by reducing performance anxiety. One of the biggest benefits of yoga is toning up your muscles, so you’ll start noticing improvements in the way you look right away—and over time, your stamina and testosterone levels will improve, too.
Better sleep habits
Sleeping well at night can do wonders for your mental health, and with yoga, it’s easier than ever to get a good night’s rest. The breathing techniques that go along with yoga can calm the mind, relax the body and help you fall asleep faster. With less tossing and turning, you’ll be in bed more quickly, sleep more deeply and wake up feeling rested. The many benefits of yoga are why so many men have seen great results from practicing yoga regularly.
Reduced stress levels
Yoga is a great way to reduce stress levels because it releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. In fact, a recent study found that yoga lowers blood pressure, decreases cortisol levels (stress hormone), and helps regulate heart rate. These are just some of the many benefits that make yoga worth trying at least once in your lifetime.
Lose weight
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means breath control. The practice of pranayama uses controlled breathing patterns to affect the autonomic nervous system, calm the mind, and energize the body. It also has many other health benefits such as lessening tension, stress, and depression. Some studies have shown that pranayama may even help with weight loss.
Greater strength
Yoga can help men build muscle strength. When you practice yoga, it’s important to push your limits without hurting yourself. This will make your muscles stronger and more flexible the next time around. As we age, our range of motion diminishes, but with regular yoga practice, we can keep our joints limber for longer periods.
Increased self-awareness
Yoga has been around for thousands of years. It was first introduced in India as a form of meditation to help people achieve mental clarity. Nowadays, it is also used as a way to increase self-awareness of one’s body, so that one can better achieve a healthy balance between their mind and their body. Practicing yoga will help you become more aware of the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations that surround you. When you are more in tune with yourself, your reactions will be less extreme and better informed. With a greater understanding of who you are comes an increased sense of well-being.
