The Core Issue is that you're not a Poser

Since I've started this blog, it's easier to see the trend of more and more men accepting Yoga and taking it on as part of their fitness regimen.

No, I'm not taking CREDIT for this trend, but it's a testament to how times have changed in a short period of time.

When considering Yoga, the largest hurdle for men to get over is that it's really NOT all about inner-harmony, meditating, vegan beliefs,  embracing the stillness, etc.

Yoga is a full-body workout, focused heavily on working the core, and addresses strength building and weight loss as well as flexibility and balance.

So many of my male friends who work out are focusing on the "core".
A flat stomach, a strong lower back, etc...


Quite frankly, there are plenty of core-focused Yoga poses that will make you sweat like a fountain!

And perhaps therein lies part of the problem:
Yoga is based on 'poses'.

Maybe men don't want to "pose".
There was a time where being called a "Poser" was an insult.

Maybe men relate posing to the ego-driven sport of body-building.
(a la Arnold Schwarzenegger)

But looking PAST the per word "pose" you'll find that there is so much to gain and so little to lose.

• Poses don't require weights -  And a big problem "I" find with weight is that as I progress, I need more/larger weights...which taps my budget.   And when I slack I need to catch up I need slightly lighter weights...which means I cannot sell off my older ones. 

  (Likewise, I don't want to have to carry weights with me anyplace I MIGHT want to practice Yoga.)

•  Poses don't require expensive gym equipment  - Not only does this further protect my budget, but it almost removes an constraints based on where in the house I can practice. In fact...

•  Poses can be done almost anywhere...they don't require a gym membership. They can be done in the home or in the office or in the park or in the parking LOT or...

Another point about poses - while weight lifting and cardio drives the heart to beat hard/fast, Yoga can help focus on your conditioning WHILE working the core...so you can focus on your breathing and heart rate while tightening your abs and back muscles.

And I think almost all men will agree that a flatter, tighter stomach needs to be part of the fitness regimen, regardless of what method of exercise you prefer.


Sure, it sounds a little 'weak' to base your exercise on  "posing"...but the there are fewer limitation with just as good results if you are looking to be trim, flexible, fit and strong.

Maybe we Men Doing Yoga need to just give it another term.
Call it something else.
Maybe a "Core Position" or a "Flex Stance" or...

...oh, I don't know.
Comment the blog and share YOUR suggestions!