Do real men do .... Yoga

gazz777

I think title says it all.

I have the flexibility for Yoga, so it might be 'my' thing. Running is out at the moment.

Some of the standing poses (ie on 1 leg - my left in particular) will be out too.

For other exercises and activities, start a new topic "Do real men do .... ", or if there is a discipline you are already into ... "Real men do kayaking", for example.

One of my church mates are doing the kayaking thing for charity: http://crossingthestrait.com/

Cheering us all on. :drinker:

Gary

tdonlin

I have been thinking a lot of trying to start doing some yoga. With my knees, I really need to find another avenue of exercise in. I overdid it with the racquetball this week and have been unable to exercise for the last 3 days.

My son did P90X which I now also have on my computer and have created disk for some of the exercises, yoga, kenpo, plyometrics, etc... He swears by these exercises and continues them along with his weight training.

I just have never been able to get myself motivated to start this. I think part of the reason is I am just not flexible. I hate to stretch. I am as flexible as a rock. I think I've also always considered yoga to be a girls form of exercise more than a guys. I know I need to get my head out of my dark place and consider some new forms of exercise. Lastly, I really don't relish the idea of doing this in front of my tv where my wife or someone can walk in on me. Again, stupid vanity and lack of self image. Is there any hope for me?

StarGeezer

Arthritis and a couple of bulging discs makes the prospect of yoga problematic for me. However, I've given serious thought to an alternative: I've been contemplating some introductory Tai Chi. It's virtually no impact, helps develop balance and coordination, and gradually increases flexibility. So it has a whole lot going for it right now.

dbw1976

I've enjoyed doing yoga for the past 5 years or so. A lot depends upon the instructor. When I started at our local YMCA, the instructor just happened to be way over qualified to teach a yoga class at a Y. She'd been a dance professor at Arizona State and a professional dancer in New York city. For a variety of personal reasons she had relocated to the PNW. Her yoga classes had all the benefits that Stargeezer mentions for Tai Chi. She was probably one of, it not best teachers in any subject I've ever had.

I'd recommend yoga. Find a class and instructor that works for you.

gazz777

After the fact ....

Taken 2 Les Mills Body Balance classes, 2nd one last night:

Mostly women there, a few guys, including the instructor.

First thing I discovered --- my balance is, well, what balance ? (considering I haven't even been walking straight lately). Pose (b) option there ... using 2 legs, or even 3 (ie hand as well).

As for the limberness ? As long as I didn't have to balance at the same time - no problem. Except ... a few 'deep' stretches I felt something pop. I've heard that one thing can be with BJHS (Hypermobility) is that you dont always 'know' where your limbs are in relation to other parts.

The other thing is my body is so uncoordinated. I kinda knew that - is why I dont dance or do anything like that that requires precision.

Our instructor at one point was nodding his head to change something about the way I was sitting ... I was one half of me the wrong way that should have been (not, I wasn't in a knot lol). Hilarious ! I just laughed at myself and moved on. It's still funny now.

I enjoyed this and felt quite relaxed afterward.

Going back for more down the track, but will work on some of these poses at home.

Now I'm eyeing off Pilates and swimming lessons (if no money in the kitty for this I will try teach myself).

Gary

J_Fabulous

I guess it depends on how you define "real men". Navy Seals and other Tier One direct action operators do yoga.