There are many reasons why men should practice yoga (apart from the fact that exercise is not gendered). Practicing yoga can help increase range of motion and reduce the risk of injury, making it especially helpful if you dedicate much of your workout routine to weightlifting or cardio. Here are 4 yoga poses for men’s health.
1. Downward Facing Dog
From an All Fours position, walk your hands slightly forward. Then, lift your hips up towards the sky. Keep your knees slightly bent as your point your tailbone up towards the sky. Bring your chest closer to your thighs. Spread the chest and the shoulders.
Downward Dog can release tension in the hamstrings, lengthen your spine, and improve overall posture.
2. Warrior 1
Beginning from Downward Facing Dog, step your right foot forward. Ground your left heel down to the mat. Then, lift your arms up and reach for the sky. Press both feet against the ground and squeeze the thighs. Keep your ribcage in and bring the arms in line with the ears.
Warrior 1 is especially helpful for offsetting tension in the hips, and can be a great way to build mobility and flexibility across the lower body. Hold for a few breaths, then perform on the opposite side.
3. Dancer
Who says men can’t do graceful balancing poses? Dancer Pose has many benefits. It helps stretch out the quads, improve spinal extension, and supports balance and coordination.
Shift your weight to your right foot. Then, clip your left heel into your bum. Catch hold of your outer left ankle with your left hand. Press the ankle in towards the palm, lean forward, then reach your right arm forward.
Spread the chest open and arch the mid-upper back. Continue to breathe. Hold for 5 to 8 breaths, then gracefully tilt back to center and release. Don’t forget to perform the same pose on the other side.
4. Boat
Apart from Plank pose, Boat is a challenging core-strengthening pose that also works the hip flexors. Begin seated on your mat, with your feet down and knees facing up. Scoop your hands behind your thighs, lean back and lift the feet and the shins off.
Squeeze the backs of the shoulders and draw the belly in. Next, release your hands and straighten your arms forward. If you want an added challenge, straighten your legs and lift them up higher to the sky. Hold for 5 to 8 breaths, then release.
These 4 yoga poses for men’s health can improve circulation, boost endurance and stamina, and simply improve physical performance. Try to integrate them in your daily routine!
