We all know yoga is growing in popularity but did you know the demographic of people practising yoga is changing dramatically too? More younger people, more older people, more men. Especially now with the abundance of online yoga, virtual classes you can participate in at home, a ripe opportunity for discovery and exploration from the safety of home.

As mindfulness grows in popularity, and more men speak out about the meaningful ways a mindfulness practices has supported their wellbeing, more men are curious and ready to explore practices like yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Most yoga teachers will blend mindfulness teachings as they teach the postures, there are many overlaps with each tradition. After all, yoga is essentially mindful movement.

What yoga is really about is connecting your awareness with the flow of your breath while you move your body to strengthen, stretch and release tension in it. And this is where men have a huge advantage because men are strong! Picture yourself for a moment in plank pose, with a relaxed steady gaze and a smooth even breath while your teacher talks you through making subtle refinements to your alignment (for example keep your core engaged, don’t collapse in the middle of your body) and to where your attention is (notice the smooth rise and fall of breath in your body).

The other advantage of being strong is feeling steady and capable as you move through the practice. When the body feels secure it is willing to release, in other words if you are strong you will naturally stretch more easily. And, as a lot of men lack flexibility, you will find your flexibility improves dramatically over the course of just a few classes. As humans we tend to be goal oriented; it's rewarding to make progress. Initially this progress might feel slow, however, letting go of the ego and just surrendering to the practice is a part of the learning.

Give yourself permission to just relax into a process unfolding and see where it takes you. Before you know it this will spill out a little into your life. . 

After just one class you will notice a change.

Sylvia teaches live online yoga twice a week and monthly online workshops. You can find out more on the events and workshops page or sign up for her newsletter on her home page. Pre-recorded classes are available to you any time, you purchase once and own forever. If you’re new to Sylvia or back to yoga after a break we suggest Hatha Yoga to start. Bundles include the Zen Collection, a variety of classes for every mood, and the Daily Collection, five half-hour daily practices. Please inquire about virtual Mindfulness in the workplace. We remain very hopeful for a return to outdoor yoga in Spring Summer ’21. Join us!