19/10/2020
Did you know...
That the roots and growth of yoga as a practice originated by men for men of certain standing or spiritual discipline? That yoga was brought over to the West by men? Or that it wasn’t until many years after the practice had already been an established discipline that the first woman was ever allowed to participate in the program?
And yet...
Modern yoga in the West today has placed such a strong emphasis on the white, rich, slender looking female yogis that many men feel it is a practice inaccessible to them.
Let’s break down the three main reasons we feel men of the west are hesitant to try yoga.
1) Exercise as competition
Men thrive in competitive atmospheres and activities. However, this competitive attitude is atypical of yoga.
2) Body Image of Yoga
We touched on this above already, but the modern image of the ideal male physique is muscular, powerful, and oftentimes bulky. Whereas the modern image of the ideal yogi has been morphed into a thin, beautiful, affluent woman due to marketing and advertising.
3) Holistic Practice
Where most men, particularly power-lifters and physical fitness enthusiasts, are used to a painful “work out”, Yoga is a “work-in”. And in a culture which strongly emphasizes the macho attitude of “no pain, no gain” and “big boys don’t cry” the practice can be incredibly uncomfortable in a way that most men, frankly, aren’t prepared for.
The reality is/ yoga is for e v e r y body.
And here at Casa Bandha we are committed to sharing that reality with as many bodies as possible.
What are some other barriers you feel men face on yoga journeys? Share below!
Pictured: Founder Christine Bosch with leader of the Barbell Bullies powerlifters, .
Media:
Facility:
•
•
•
•
•
