Yoga and Pilates for Men

John Manrique, co-founder of Revolutions Cycling Studio in Jupiter, Florida, knew he needed to work on his flexibility, and he was interested in yoga. His first yoga experience was in a combination indoor cycling and yoga class. After taking the class, he felt the immediate benefit that yoga provided to his cycling. He now attends a yin yoga class weekly, making it an integral part of his training.

Anthony Dominici, a Los Angeles–based executive producer and filmmaker, thought Pilates “sounded a little ‘light’ for a workout.” But then he began having back pain. “My wife encouraged me to go with her to a session, and I felt better immediately,” he says. “I’ve been training now for 3 years. My back pain is gone. My upper body and core are stronger.”

Men: Yoga and/or Pilates may be the missing link in your workout routine! Discover the benefits of these mind-body methods and learn ways to begin training from Shirley Archer, JD, MA, E-RYT 200, IDEA’s mind-body-spirit spokesperson and a certified yoga, Pilates and meditation teacher.

Benefits for Men

“Men have a higher center of gravity and more developed quads than women,” says Michele Olson, PhD, FACSM, professor of exercise science at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. “The hamstrings tighten against [the quads] to counteract the forces, and men end up tighter than women on both sides of the upper leg. Many Pilates exercises are excellent for addressing this.”

Here are just a few benefits of doing Pilates or yoga:

• develops strength
• enhances athletic performance
• decreases chances of getting injured during sports
• assists with injury recovery
• increases flexibility
• improves posture
• enhances agility
• decreases stress
• strengthens your connection with yourself

Trying Yoga or Pilates

If you’re interested in getting the benefits of these mind-body workouts, consider these suggestions:

• Go with a significant other, friend or co-worker who already attends a regular class.
• Look for classes or private sessions that are taught by men, designed for men or include other male participants.
• Take a few private sessions to learn the basics at your own speed.
• Take an intro class. Some gyms periodically offer a sample try-it session specifically geared for the beginner.
• Look for 30- to 45-minute classes.
• Try a class that fuses yoga or Pilates with another exercise form. Examples include classes like yoga for cyclists or Pilates for runners.