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Although
yoga has existed for thousands of years,
this unique form of exercise and
relaxation has experienced a massive
surge in popularity in the United States
during the last ten years. According to
www.abc-of-yoga.com, yoga has evolved
from an ancient practice that attempted
to discern the cosmic order through
inner vision into a more outward
experience and more physically demanding
activity.
As a form of exercise, yoga has
traditionally been stereotyped as an
activity primarily for women. In
addition, the marketing and promotion of
yoga and yoga accessories has been
largely targeted on the female
demographic. This includes materials
such as the covers of DVDs and magazines
to the myriad of commercials and ads
promoting the activity. As a result,
many men maintained the perception that
yoga was not a “male” activity, and
consequently, missed out on both the
spiritual and physical benefits of yoga.
This is not to imply that men have not
been doing yoga at all--the ratios have
just been markedly unbalanced. “When the
yoga boom hit about 10 years ago, it was
10 to 1, women to men," said Matthew
Solan, a senior editor at Yoga Journal.
"Now it's about 8 to 1, but it's
growing." Solan added, "Yoga looks
gentle, but when men do it they realize
it's a lot more difficult than it
looks."
Breaking the Stereotypes
We’re all too familiar with the typical
male stereotype that men are supposed to
be strong and goal-oriented and identify
physically and mentally with sports.
However, what most men don’t realize
until they try yoga themselves is that
it can effectively teach them where
physical imbalances and weaknesses lie
and can help them to significantly
strengthen the body. In addition, yoga
can help enhance any athlete's
performance by promoting proper
breathing, relaxation and flexibility.
Getting Started
If you are a male considering taking up
the practice of yoga, a good place to
start is by enrolling in a class at a
health club. And even if it seems
initially difficult--don’t give up! If
you persevere, you will be among the
growing number of men enjoying the
physical benefits of increased strength
and flexibility as well as the spiritual
balance that only yoga can provide.
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