Where are all the men?

If you have ever gone to a yoga class or seen one on tv, you might have noticed that it's predominately women who are either teaching the classes or doing the practice. Kind of a reversal since yoga's first creation thousands of years ago, it was an all male-dominated field. A guru would take on one student and teach him for years until they were ready to go out into the world with the traditions and perhaps teach someone else. Women were really not privy to these traditions until years later.

Today it seems it's the exact opposite. Women are embracing the yoga lifestyle with gusto and not only building dedicated practices, but feeling so inspired, they become teachers themselves. Maybe it's because we are better at nurturing ourselves and quick to realize that we do need to slow down, take care of ourselves physically and shake off the daily stress of life. But I believe men need to and can do this for themselves. In fact, men are just as stressed out and need to take care of their bodies equally with women.

So what "scares" men off from starting yoga? Is it the misconception that women are more flexible thereby insinuating it's easier for women? Or is there this myth that yoga is too easy period and you're not going to get an effective "work out?" Our Western/American minds are trained to believe that if we don't sweat or beat our bodies into submission, it must not be a worthwhile form of fitness. Ah, but that's where you are wrong.

Sure you might be stiff at first and not be able to go as deep into the poses as some, but yoga wasn't built in a day and neither is a flexible body. It takes time, patience, dedication and discipline. Start out slow with a forward fold or a child's pose and go from there. Just start. And experience the bliss that your female counterparts have been experiencing for years.

And FYI, Yoga classes are starting to have more men and male teachers, so if you have a brother, father, husband, friend, etc that has been curious about yoga, encourage them to try a beginners class and stick with it. It takes courage and the willingness to be open to a whole new discipline, but it's worth it.

Namaste,
Susan

Asana Spotlight: Trikonasana

One of my all time favorite foundational yoga poses, is Trikonasna or "Triangle" pose. Alot of standing yoga poses are going to build strength in the legs and Trikonasana is no different. It works the thighs, opens the back body and depending on which variation you are doing, creates a full body stretch from the fingers all the way to the feet. And as you work deeper into the pose, you begin to get this nice "revolved" action in the spine as your heart center begins to shine towards the sky.

Not only does Trikonanasna offer the body physical benefits, it's a great way to relieve stress and anxiety and stimulates the abdominal organs, aiding in digestion. So, the next time you are in this pose, just don't rush into it. Really take the time to find the sukha or ease in this pose when you ground down through the fee and lenghten through the spine.

Namaste,

Susan

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/494