Where Are the Men? A Yoga Practice For All
Traditionally, yoga was made for and practice by men exclusively. In fact, yoga was almost exclusively a male-dominated practice in India until the 1930s. The West was gifted yoga by men, and it was only until recently that yoga became a movement discipline dominated by females. The majority of yoga classes are still mainly women and yoga festivals, merchandise, and clothing are marketed to a female audience.
Taking into consideration the history of men in yoga, it’s ironic that men are now absent. Why do we have a very narrow definition of who practices yoga? And why are the majority of men still not eager to try out a yoga class?
“Yoga Bodies”
If you ask anyone not familiar with yoga to describe a stereotypical yoga student, regardless of gender, they often conjure up an image of a tall, thin woman, flexible and toned. Because of this, many people, including men, think that if they don’t fit the “yoga body” stereotype, yoga is not for them. This doesn’t just hurt men, it hurts everyone that doesn’t fit that narrow ideal. It’s natural to not want to start a practice where you don’t belong, but yoga benefits all walks of life, all body types, and all genders. Yoga is for everyone, and every “body.”
Stretch Test
A common misconception of yoga is that it’s strictly a flexibility test. Exclusively for people who excel in the act of stretching or are naturally flexible, this has led to keeping men out of cultivating a rich yoga practice that contains vast benefits beyond becoming “more flexible.” But flexibility comes with practice, like any exercise discipline, and not all bodies are meant to fold in exactly the same way. Not being flexible should never be a reason to stay away from yoga; it should be a reason to start.
A Paradigm Shift
The mindset of yoga differs greatly from many other exercise disciplines. The heart of yoga attempts to take the student on a journey of self-awareness and mental challenges while physically working the body in an effort to cement the teachings we come to on our mats. It’s not about what you look like, it’s about your relentless dedication to your whole being. In a culture that doesn’t celebrate depth with a strict gender code, men get left behind when it comes to being able to lead with vulnerability and grow emotionally. A casualty of these unwritten rules is the fact that men stay out of developing a rich yoga practice, locked out of self-awareness and personal growth. This mental shift from “pumping iron” to “personal growth” may be daunting to some not used to a spiritual ritual being attached to a workout.
But there are signs of change. Popular men’s magazines have been profiling the benefits of yoga, and pro athletes and bodybuilders are leading the way to change the conversation.
“Bro-ga,” “Yoga and Beer,” and other themed classes have been successfully getting men to a yoga class. Additionally, a “men-only” workshop can help beginners understand the benefits in a friendly atmosphere, led by a male that could make a first class less daunting.
Yoga benefits have been proven, physically and mentally, and it’s up to the current yoga community to welcome all types of bodies to yoga classes. A more mindful public could help us all in a myriad of ways, not to mention alleviating common physical ailments and easing our collective stress. Our practice becomes richer as our communities’ diversity expands.
Author: Sarah Ronau