Real Men Practice Yoga ... Or Do They?

George Chavez suggested that I write an article about the lack of interest men have in yoga. As a yoga practitioner I agree that in the multitude of classes to which I have gone the men are few and far between.

If you look at a magazine such as "Yoga Journal" you will see men and if you look at conferences you will see many male yogis speaking.

Rodney Yee has a lot of DVDs out and should be a model to men that yoga is good for them and a manly way to change up your fitness routine.

Yoga is good for flexibility, balance, toning muscles, freeing the mind, concentrating, relaxing, and so much more. So why aren't there more men in yoga classes? Why does the number of women vastly outweigh the number of men at yoga retreats, such as Kripalu?

It made sense that I find out right from the source, George Chavez, why he in fact does not practice yoga. This is my interview with another Associated Content writer.

Question

What do you think of when you hear the word yoga?

George

My perceptions of yoga are mostly positive. I think I understand the physical side of it more than the spiritual/mental aspect of it.

Question

Is there something specific that turns you off by yoga? When you think of yoga do you think "Yuk, that's for girls?"

George

Nothing really turns me off about yoga except perhaps that it is perceived in Western Society as a less-than manly endeavor. I in-fact have written a piece on Associated Content related to yoga and its benefits to aid athletes. I do shrink from wearing leotards because they make my thighs look fat!

Question

If you were to go to a yoga class what would you wear? I think many men have no idea what to wear?

George

I would wear a loose fitting sleeve-less sports jersey and a pair of comfortable shorts.

Question

You want to remember that if your shorts are loose, you should wear something under them! What kind of exercise do you do?

George

I lift weights, walk, bike, and hike whenever possible. I also think it is very important, such as in yoga, to stretch and stay limber as the years bark at my heels.

Question

I know you are married. Does your wife practice yoga and if so how often?

George

My wife goes to yoga sessions 2 times a week.

Question

Does she ask you to go?

George

She asks me to accompany her every time. She is trying to take care of me.

Question

What have you learned in terms of yoga postures or what terms have you learned?

George

Well, I know there is a 'down dog' and a 'sun salutation', but no, I just try to keep up.

Thank you for the interview, George. It gives us insight as to what men think.