Is Yoga more for men than women? (gym, weight, strength)

[marc515]

I don't mean this to be sexist, I just seem to see more info on Yoga which indicates more to women practicing Yoga than men.

What's the best Yoga for 50+ year old men?

Can yoga be learned, at least the basics, at home?

Thank you,......marc

[Huckleberry3911948]

that is strange, bek most participants here are women.
but maybe it was created in a culture dominated by men. like kabuki theatre? just guessing.

[fjtee]

Did you mean to ask if yoga was more for women than men? Your title and the contents of your message clash. No worries. It happens.

Anyway, I don't think yoga was designed for a particular gender. You see more women practicing it (at least in the US), but that doesn't mean it's more beneficial to women. As for the particular kind, I can't really give advice. I'd suggest trying some different styles to see which one you prefer. That's the most important part. If you, for some reason, decide Bikram's is best for men, yet hate it, then you'll not practice long term. And, long term is what one needs.

Cheers.

[marc515]

DUUH, I meant more for women than men....

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by marc515

I don't mean this to be sexist, I just seem to see more info on Yoga which indicates more to women practicing Yoga than men.

What's the best Yoga for 50+ year old men?

Can yoga be learned, at least the basics, at home?

I think that the info you see (magazines, tv shows, etc.) on yoga cater to the stay at home wife or housewife for $$$$$$ thats all.

Yoga many years ago was practiced by indian warriors as part of their fighting system. So its true roots lie in strengthening the practitioner both physically and spiritually for battle (in so many words). The form of yoga I practice is Vinyasa (i.e., warrior yoga) which is VERY DIFFICULT for even most athletes at first. This is more flowing than other yoga that relies on holding static postures (asanas). If find that yoga practice is a great addition to my martial arts.

You CAN learn yoga at home from tv shows, Youtube, DVDs etc. but I highly recommend taking classes first. There are some subltelties that just cannot be learned from watching on a screen. Only an experienced teacher can correct/teach certain things.

[Rose Red]

I've been practicing Vinyasa yoga since Sept and I wish I had been introduced to it sooner. I feel healthier and stronger.

It's great for building strength and keeping you focused and in the moment. When my Yoga instructor asked why I was taking the class I said it's because I need to learn how to breath. She said I came to the right place.

I would recommend taking a class because you want to be sure your body is aligned properly and you do need to focus on the breath.

If you want to practice at home look for Rodney Yee or Patricia Walden DVD's. They have some great beginner DVD's.

[leavingcali]

I love Rodney Yee's dvds. Maybe check out AM/PM Yoga. It's for beginners.

I agree that you should take a class first, if possible.

Congratulations on your decision to pursue yoga. It is a wonderful experience for most people in so many ways--physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

[pitt_transplant]

I think because women are naturally more flexible than men it probably attracts and keeps more women.

I would take a class to try it out so you don't overextend yourself and get a hernia.

[Gplex]

Originally Posted by marc515

I don't mean this to be sexist, I just seem to see more info on Yoga which indicates more to women practicing Yoga than men.

What's the best Yoga for 50+ year old men?

Can yoga be learned, at least the basics, at home?

Thank you,......marc

I do a lot of stretching, (10 min a day) I just don't go to a class to do so.. If you want to go to a yoga class, just find one and go, I don't see why there would be a problem.

[TheCaliforniaBear]

I think it's because most American men have macho complexes. And they think that something graceful and spiritual, like yoga, is not "manly". Most American men would rather drive their huge truck to the gym and lift heavy weights.

In most Asian countries however, where machoism is not as strong, men practice yoga just as much as women.