YOGA AND MEN

Ask any man if he's heard of Downward Dog, the Cobra or the Tree Pose and you'll be surprised how many guys know they're all yoga poses, and not just from hearing their female friends or significant others talking about it.

Men and yoga, two words that you didn't much associate with each other, until now. Some men may be apprehensive to try it because they don't think they have the flexibility, or they may they think they may be shown up by a woman. But whether you are looking to learn relaxing breathing techniques, work out tightened muscles or to simply try something new, this is no girls' club, so men, come on in.

At the Tribalance Yoga Center for example, in Schaumburg, there are three male teachers, including the owner, and 35 percent to 40 percent of the clientele is male.

'Men have a preconceived notion that yoga consists of the lighting of incense, hitting of gongs, and bending into a pretzel,' says Corey T. Kelly, owner and teacher at the Yoga Center. 'We have anyone from couch potatoes to professional athletes looking for strength training, to people who are involved in martial arts, coming and taking a class.'

Kelly started taking yoga himself for bodybuilding training, and after looking at the clock for the first 45 minutes of the 90 minute class, he surrendered and just let the yoga take over. As soon as the class ended he had made the decision that not only was he going to become a yoga teacher, but he was also going to start his own yoga studio.

This is no sissy sport. This is an activity that makes you feel the workout for days and working muscles that you didn't even think needed working. Yoga works the mind and body at the same time. The feeling it gives you is different from any other exercise.

For guys who want to have a nice long sweat, then Bikram or hot yoga, usually conducted in a room that is 95 to 100 degrees, is a choice. Iyengar is for those men who are looking for some bodybuilding or strengthening exercises due to its focus on body alignment. For beginners and guys who are just looking for pure mind and body relaxation, hatha would work with its slow and gentle exercises.

And, guys, don't worry about the clothes. You don't need to come in funky pajamas. Just wear anything that you're comfortable stretching around it, and won't show what you want to keep hidden when you're trying that Downward Dog.

By Jennifer Rundell

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