Solo dude attending a yoga class, non-creepy style

jesusHchris
jesusHchris Posts: 1,405 Member
edited October 19 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been psyching myself up to attend a local beginner's yoga class for a while now and have finally locked down a gym and schedule. I'd like to also try out their "restorative yoga" class after I am not a complete n00b. This has been suggested to me for many reasons - to improve my balance and focus while kicking people, stress relief, and core strength. I also think it would help with my goal of mastering planche pushups.

I've got to admit it terrifies me, though. I don't mind looking like an idiot for a little while, but there is a little fear of that. I also don't want to intrude on what is typically a chick-fest and look like I'm there to perv out on girls while they are just trying to relax.

I do want to attend a class as opposed to just home videos (I've tried a few).

Ladies - do guys come to your yoga classes? How do you feel about it? What should I wear to not look like a tool? Any other tips on how to act?

Thanks!
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Replies

  • awanderer
    awanderer Posts: 2 Member
    My classes always have a guy or two, everyone is pretty focused on the instructor so it never seems weird. If it's your first class, let the teacher know so she can give a little extra explanation instead of just pose names so you can keep up. The guys usually wear a t-shirt & shorts, just regular gym wear but with bare feet. Good luck!
  • Cait_Sidhe
    Cait_Sidhe Posts: 3,150 Member
    I've gone to a few yoga classes at my gym. There's always been 2-3 men in the class. Don't worry about it. I've never assumed they were there to ogle me. It's not like its a zumba class or something. :laugh:
  • drgmac
    drgmac Posts: 716 Member
    I really applaud you for taking this class, and this is a serious post, given all of the goofy stuff I say...so listen up: I don't take yoga, but I started a circuit class a few weeks ago. My point in telling you this is, I am the most ungraceful 45 year old out there and no one really cares. Everyone is so focused on what he or she is doing, that no one has time to see that I am falling off of my left foot and into a wall. I think you will be just fine and that you will put everything you've got into it...once you are there I bet it will be better than you thought. Good luck, Chris!
  • jesusHchris
    jesusHchris Posts: 1,405 Member
    Thanks guys. :)

    I'm off to the park with my dog, will check thread later.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    You will benefit tremendously from Yoga. Who cares what the ladies in the class think? Focus on you and what you stand to get out of adding yoga to your workouts. Own your space :)
  • schpanks
    schpanks Posts: 468 Member
    As long as you aren't staring the ladies down, no one will pay any attention to you. Let me recommend that if you are wearing baggy shorts, please also wear underwear. Yoga is not always modest, and you don't want anyone looking up the leg of your shorts at your junk. :)
  • KatieG97
    KatieG97 Posts: 6
    In every yoga class I've gone to there are always a few guys, never really thought about it. Don't worry, none of the girls are gonna be giving you dirty looks, go for it!
  • jmoneycgt
    jmoneycgt Posts: 80 Member
    As long as you aren't staring the ladies down, no one will pay any attention to you. Let me recommend that if you are wearing baggy shorts, please also wear underwear. Yoga is not always modest, and you don't want anyone looking up the leg of your shorts at your junk. :)

    Or compression shorts. Cover the goods, yo.
  • amanda52488
    amanda52488 Posts: 260 Member
    We usually have a guy or two in our classes! Doesnt seem pervy at all.. enjoy!
  • melanielockard
    melanielockard Posts: 114 Member
    we have a guy that attends ours, we give him a hard time. he just wears his reg. gym clothes. our yoga class is candle lit so nobody can really see ya.
    you will be amazed by the benefits of it! good luck on your journey!
  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    I don't think it would worry me. I don't do yoga, but if I did, I would probably just look, go, "Oh neat. A dude is here." And then continue on with my thing.
  • clairetwoboys
    clairetwoboys Posts: 7 Member
    Not at all bothered by guys in my yoga class but just to reiterate what someone said up thread - wear underpants under your shorts - all luggage must be stowed!
  • wjniii
    wjniii Posts: 110 Member
    I've been practicing yoga now for over two years. Where I go, it is not unusual to have more than half the class men. I do vinyassa heated yoga and it is one of the best and toughest workouts you will ever get. It's very centered on what you are doing. I don't even notice what the others are doing in the class and I'm sure no one is worrying about how good or bad I am doing. My advice on clothes is just to wear enough to cover up when you are bending and doing the splits. Longer shorts and a tank top work well. If you have a Lulu Lemon Athletica store in your area, they can get you into the right clothes. Did I mention the stress relief from yoga is amazing?! Jump right in, you are going to love it!
  • crystalmath
    crystalmath Posts: 7
    There are always a few guys in the yoga classes I go to as well, including my husband. There is never any feelings of awkwardness or anything, they are just members of the class. They wear normal workout clothes (you probably don't want to wear super short baggy shorts though). I like to wear the type of shorts that hug the skin (sort of like biker shorts) so my underwear don't show, though they might not be as comfortable for a guy.

    My husband also attends the pilates class with me, and so far he has been the only guy there. There haven't been any complaints or weirdness there either.

    Have fun!
  • joypeaceloveall
    joypeaceloveall Posts: 34
    There are always a few men in the yoga classes that I have gone to. Some of the teachers are men as well. Yoga is awesome and I think you should go for it. Arrive a little early and let the teacher know before class that it is your first time in that class. have fun!
  • Sarah_Wins
    Sarah_Wins Posts: 936 Member
    Perv? no. If anything, I might look at a guy in my class like "hmm, he looks flexible and strong... wonder if he's single?" :wink:
  • zrmac804
    zrmac804 Posts: 369 Member
    All luggage must be stowed!

    :laugh: Very true!
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    Perv? no. If anything, I might look at a guy in my class like "hmm, he looks flexible and strong... wonder if he's single?" :wink:

    LOL! Me, too!

    There are usually plenty of men in the yoga classes I've taken. And yoga by it's nature is very non-judgmental, so you'd probably get less 'looks' than in step or Body Pump class.

    Google a pic of downward dog pose. Wear a shirt that won't be sliding over your head in that, and shorts that cover well, too. I've seen more manhood than I care to in classes. :ohwell:
  • drgndancer
    drgndancer Posts: 426 Member
    Given your pic and the reference to kicking people, I'm guessing some kind of kick boxer? Gi pants would probably give you the range of motion you need while ensuring that that everything stays nicely covered.
  • 20diane
    20diane Posts: 18 Member
    My son has been attending a group yoga session for 8 years he is the only guy there. NO problems
  • jcmartin0313
    jcmartin0313 Posts: 574 Member
    All luggage must be stowed!

    :laugh: Very true!

    This is true at the gym in general. Running shorts are great for upright running, but please do not wear them to class.
  • misskerouac
    misskerouac Posts: 2,242 Member
    There is always 1 or 2 guys in the yoga class at my gym.

    There is a yoga studio by my house though that offers "Bro-ga" (men's yoga class) which I thought was pretty clever
  • sazzyp1973
    sazzyp1973 Posts: 517 Member
    the classes I go to have a good number of fellas in it. Nobody thinks anything of it. My yoga class isn't full of lycra clad beauties anyway but even if it was there shouldn't be any worry about a man being there.

    Just go and do your thing, the same way as everyone else there is!

    Good luck and enjoy!
  • fatty_to_fitty
    fatty_to_fitty Posts: 544 Member
    Yeah the guy at our class knows the routine better than the instructor and takes over. We are non judgemental they will love having ou I'm sure. Good luck
  • munny_p
    munny_p Posts: 73 Member
    Yes, there are guys in my classes...have never given a second look- at least in a judgmental way! ;) Yoga is very low-pressure...don't worry about it. If I were you, I would wear comfortable shorts and a tanktop (or shirtless if you are comfortable.)
  • itsDorian7
    itsDorian7 Posts: 105 Member
    I encourage the guys in the gym to give yoga a try. I've "recruited" quite a few, and most have stuck with it.
  • chocolateandvodka
    chocolateandvodka Posts: 1,850 Member
    oxymoron
  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    Yeah there is always a guy or two in my classes...once I was in a class that was more men than women. That was a little interesting, not wierd, not uncomfortable, just demographically interesting.

    As long as you come prepared (luggage stowed as someone said...it's VERY important) and concentrate on the teacher and your positions, everyone will know you came for the class and not the view.

    It's really a matter of bringing it...which we should always do anyways.

    Lauren
  • NGMama
    NGMama Posts: 384 Member
    Always guys in my hot yoga class too. Most of them are actually quite ripped and seem to enjoy it. The only time it ever bothered me was when two guys came together, struggled with the poses and used the time instead to talk about which poses they would like to use sexually, and with which person in the class.

    As long as you veer away from that and flashing anyone, you'll love it.

    Namaste! :wink:
  • wannaplay2505
    wannaplay2505 Posts: 26
    In my yoga classes there are always a couple of guys. I even took a class taught by a guy. It's not a big deal. Personally, I really don't care if they were checking me out either. I'm there getting my monies worth and working on me and tuning everyone else out. People shouldn't take group classes if they're really so concerned about what others are thinking of them... That being said, good luck dude. You'll enjoy it. Yoga is the only workout where I leave feeling relaxed.:smile:
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