There are plenty of guys who don’t realize that yoga for men comes with tons of benefits. If you’re a guy who’s hesitant to walk into the yoga studio, let it be known that the male yoga body is one that can’t be beat. Here, we’ll go over four yoga poses for men, why they’re great, and how to do them.
1. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
This pose is a challenge for even the fittest guy, because it trains the ankles, shoulders, quads, and glutes all at once. It’s one of the best yoga stretches for men because it builds stability and abdominal strength, too.
How it’s done:
1. Stand at the top of your mat with your feet hip-width apart.
2. As you inhale, lift your arms over your head. Exhale and bend your knees and lower your pelvis like you’re sitting in a chair.
3. Bring your weight to your heels, keep your core engaged, and remember to breathe.
2. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
The yoga benefits for men that coincide with the forward fold include improved blood circulation, stress relief, and a great muscle stretch. It also helps open the back body. It’s one of the best yoga poses for men who want to improve their digestion and relieve tension in their spine, neck, and back.
How it’s done:
1. Stand at the top of your mat and inhale with your arms over your head.
2. Bend forward from the hips and let your head hang between your arms.
3. Rest your torso over your thighs and extend your fingers towards the floor.
3. Boat Pose (Navasana)
Boat pose is not one of the easy yoga poses for men, but it does come with its fair share of results. It works your deep core, hip flexors, and spine – and also aids with digestion and reduces tension in your pelvis.
How it’s done:
1. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides.
2. Inhale and lift both legs off the mat.
3. Lift your upper body off the mat and reach your arms up.
4. Activate your core and keep your spine straight.
4. Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
The downward dog is one of the best yoga poses for the upper body and the lower body. The benefits come in the form of back, hips, calves, hamstrings, and shoulder strength. It calms the mind and provides the whole-body stretch you’re looking for when practicing yoga for men.
How it’s done:
1. Begin in a tabletop position.
2. Tuck your toes and lift your hips and back up.
3. With your fingers pointed forward, come onto your toes and bend the knees to lift your hips up towards the sky.
4. With your back flat, straighten your legs to form an upside down shape of a V.
Yoga for Men
Yoga is accessible for everyone. If you want to get your practice started, just invest in your own yoga wear for men and get on the mat to reap the benefits.