7 Best Yoga Poses For Men
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Why don’t we find too many men in yoga classes? We wondered about it and decided to find out. And, guess what we did? We asked the men themselves.
What we found out is men think yoga is a softer way to workout. They believe that only cardio and weights at a gym will make them strong and build muscle. Pch…clearly they have no idea what yoga can do.
So, we decided to put together the best yoga poses for men that will suit their bodies and temperament. Why don’t you have a look?
Yoga For Men
Yoga does wonders to the large and tight muscles that men possess. Along with that, it betters every aspect of their life.
Culturally, men are trained to workout hard, be competitive and play sports. All of it helps them tighten up and become strong. Even mentally they are running, pushing and taking in similar to what they do at a gym.
All that is okay but what about loosening up, pausing, noticing and understanding? How does all of this happen if you are always on the go?
You need to slow down and wholly experience what you are doing. That is when the beauty and magnanimity of the process will strike you. Otherwise, it is all run and rush.
The way you exercise affects the manner of your living. It is essential for you to balance out the fast and slow and behave according to the situation.
As men in a patriarchal world, you must learn to handle the pressure and dilemma that comes with it and realize what you are instead of what you want to be.
And, there is no better way than yoga to help you get there. We put together some yoga poses to introduce the men to yoga and assist them to get started.
Yoga Poses For Men
- Malasana
- Virabhadrasana I
- Uttanasana
- Salabhasana
- Supta Padangusthasana
- Adho Mukha Vrksasana
- Savasana
1. Malasana (Garland Pose)
About The Pose- Malasana or the Garland Pose is an asana that is only squatting, but due to our manner of living, even that has become problematic and needs practice to do well. Malasana is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 60 seconds.
Benefits- Malasana opens your hips and stretches your ankles and lower hamstrings. It tones your abdomen and strengthens your metabolism. The pose even strengthens your back and neck.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Malasana.
2. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I)
About The Pose- Virabhadrasana I or the Warrior Pose I is an asana named after the mythical warrior of Indian mythology called Virabhadra. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 20 seconds on each leg.
Benefits- Virabhadrasana I strengthens your arms, shoulders, and legs. It opens your lungs and chest encouraging healthy respiration. The pose improves the balance and stability of your body.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Virabhadrasana I.
3. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
About The Pose- Uttanasana or the Standing Forward Bend asana is an intense stretch requiring you to place your head below your heart. The pose is an intermediate level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.
Benefits- Uttanasana stretches your calves and strengthens your thighs and knees. It reduces stress and anxiety. The pose relieves tight knots in the neck and back. It lowers blood pressure and is therapeutic for osteoporosis.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Uttanasana.
4. Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
About The Pose- Salabhasana or the Locust Pose is a simple backbend that is perfect to include in your yoga session. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
Benefits- Salabhasana strengthens the muscles of your upper and lower back. It also strengthens the muscles of your buttocks. The pose calms your mind and increases your endurance capacity.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Salabhasana.
5. Supta Padangusthasana (Reclined Hand to Big Toe Pose)
About The Pose- Supta Padangusthasana or the Reclined Hand To Big Toe Pose is an asana that improves your overall physical and mental health. The pose is a beginner level Iyengar pose. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 30 seconds.
Benefits- Supta Padangusthasana increases the muscle flexibility of your body and gets rid of the tension knots in the muscles. The pose fixes indigestion problems and stimulates the prostate gland.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here-Supta Padangusthasana.
6. Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Tilted Tree Pose)
About The Pose- Adho Mukha Vrksasana or the Tilted Tree Pose is a handstand requiring your hands to bear the weight of your entire body. The pose is an advanced level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and hold the pose for 1-3 minutes.
Benefits- Adho Mukha Vrksasana makes your arms strong, agile and flexible. The pose increases your stamina and decreases your tummy fat. It energizes your mind and improves confidence.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Adho Mukha Vrksasana.
7. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
About The Pose- Savasana or the Corpse Pose is an asana that is a relaxing pose usually practiced at the end of a yoga session. The pose is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. Practice it on an empty stomach if it precedes other yoga poses. Relax in the pose for 10 to 15 minutes.
Benefits- Savasana decreases fatigue and depression. It relaxes your muscles and cures insomnia. It stimulates blood circulation and works well for neurological problems, asthma, and diabetes.
To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here- Savasana.
Now, let’s answer some common queries on yoga for men.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
What should men wear for yoga practice?
Any loose and comfortable shirt and pants or shorts. Preferably light-colored and of cotton material.
Can men adapt to yoga quickly?
Yes, of course. Yoga is designed to help elevate the human body and mind. Regular practice will help men tune into yoga better and eventually excel in it.
Modern media always showcases men as the gym goers and women trying alternate ancient methods of exercise like yoga. But the fact is yoga works for anybody irrespective of their sex. So, push back the preconceived notions placed in your head and get started with yoga to unlock its wonders on your being.
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