5 Reasons Men Should Include Yoga in their Health and Wellness Routine
Each month, I share health and wellness information and inspiration here with you. I talk about my holistic health journey and the innumerable health benefits of yoga. Because I am a woman and so many of our members are women, much of this information is geared toward women. But not this month…
This month I’m focusing on the men. I hope the women reading this post will share it with the men in their lives like I’m going to share it with the men in mine.
It’s important the men in our lives know that we see them. We see them working hard, supporting their families in every way. It’s also important that we encourage – and maybe even push a bit – the men in our lives to focus on their health.
Men take on a lot of stress – work stress and life stress. And unlike women, they’re not very good at talking it out. Men need an outlet to work out the stress and pressure they feel.
Yoga and meditation are tremendous tools, allowing men to significantly reduce stress and anxiety. A regular practice supports mental health in so many ways. And now, more than ever, we all need to take steps to protect and improve our mental health.
As part of my preparation for writing this post, I interviewed some of the men of the Razz Yoga community. Their answers to my questions were inspirational and in some cases even surprising. I’ve sprinkled them throughout the rest of this post. I know you’ll benefit from their wisdom and encouragement.
Let’s discuss five reasons men should make yoga part of their overall health and wellness routine.
Yoga improves brain function.
In a June, 2021 article from Harvard Health Publishing, researchers discussed the benefits of practicing yoga when it comes to brain health.
The body and breath awareness that comes from practicing yoga helps stimulate the brain. With regular yoga practice, the brain develops new connections. Changes actually occur in the brain’s structure and its function.
The result? Improvements in cognitive skills such as learning and memory.
The areas of the brain strengthened by yoga include those that play a role in memory, attention, thought, language, and awareness.
Yoga’s benefits continue as we age. Razz member Steve talked about how starting a practice at age 60 and what his practice has done for him.
“Yoga helps me to slow down, be more mindful, and helps with my flexibility and strength as I grow older. I started doing meditation and then yoga classes at age 60, and yoga has really helped my shoulder and knee issues especially. For me I felt good about trying something new (at the encouragement of Beth) and being successful at it, and also found that it is not super hard, you basically do what you can based on your abilities.”
Yoga decreases stress.
Stress takes a toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It affects not only the person experiencing the stress, but all those around him as well.
Razz Yoga member John had this to say:
“If you want to improve your interactions with your spouse, kids, co-workers, employees, friends, dog or cat, yoga is for you.”
John further discussed the mental and emotional benefits of yoga. He talked about how these benefits are less noticeable than the physical gains he has experienced but more important.
John credits the breath work inherent in yoga and its connection to the physical movements as being the key. He has seen increases in patience, stress management, humility, as well as an overall positive outlook.
Practicing yoga reduces cortisol levels in the body. The breath work and focus required while practicing helps you learn how to deal with stress in your daily life. Take the skills you learn on the mat into your life off the mat as part of an overall plan to effectively manage stress.
The world we live in is filled with noise and distractions. We are all busier than ever yet never seem to feel as if we’ve caught up. Couple that with the incredible stresses the world has put in our paths over the past two years and it’s crucial that all of us find ways to better manage the stress in our lives.
Yoga increases strength throughout the body.
Yoga complements other physical activities. A regular practice can improve your golf swing, increase flexibility for running, and boost stamina for basketball or soccer games.
So many of us have careers that require us to sit for long periods of time. Others might have jobs that are physically demanding. Yoga is beneficial no matter your job environment or level of activity. You’ll realize increased strength throughout your body, including core strength.
Worried yoga won’t be challenging enough? In a yoga class, you are in charge of the degree of difficulty. It’s your practice. Professional athletes – including NFL players – practice yoga. Yoga forces all parts of your body to work together, building physical and mental strength.
Razz Yoga community member Tom shared how his practice helps him in all facets of his health.
“I see huge benefits, both mentally and physically. While I train with weights and play sports, I find yoga is a huge help with flexibility and balance. It also helps me restore my balance mentally.”
Yoga aids in preventing and recovering from injury.
Men often pursue activities that challenge their bodies and push them to their physical limits. This can result in injuries or limitations to flexibility and joint mobility.
A regular yoga practice is an important component of an injury prevention plan. Athletes who practice benefit from:
Increased strength throughout the entire body.
Improved mobility and flexibility.
An increased ability to heal more quickly from injuries.
An increased ability to prevent injuries.
Improved body awareness.
Making yoga a component of an athlete’s overall fitness plan is particularly beneficial when seeking to prevent or recover from an injury. Yoga’s focus on both the mind and the body allows it to aid in the recovery of both the physical and non-physical aspects of an athlete’s injury.
Are you a man who’s still not convinced a yoga practice should be part of your overall health and wellness plan?
I asked Razz Yoga member Joe what he would say to men who were reluctant to try yoga. His response was so good I’m going to share it with you here.
“First, it’s not what you think – whatever you think it is. It’s not some wimpy stretching session, it’s not some weird Eastern mysticism with chanting and stuff, it’s not just a women’s thing.
Don’t be intimidated. Yeah, you might be the only guy in a class of twenty – so what. When I talk to my male friends, hear their physical complaints, stresses, or simply desire to ‘get back in shape,’ I always suggest yoga…
Make a commitment to give it a try. I think most guys who hang in there for three months will be stunned at the changes they feel in their bodies and their minds.”
If you’re not a member of Razz Yoga, we have a special intro offer just for you! We’d love to share our home with you and help you realize the benefits of a regular yoga practice on your overall health and wellness.
If you have a man in your life who would benefit from practicing yoga, share this post with him and let him know there’s a mat waiting for him. If you’re a man who’s ready to give yoga a try, we can’t wait to welcome you and hope you’ll bring a friend.