Featured Articles
Therese M. Pope
Category: YogaMarcelina Hardy
Category: PsychotherapyMarcelina Hardy
Category: Life CoachingCorinna Underwood
Category: Akashic RecordsAltMedWeb Videos
Therese M. Pope |
April 24, 2008
Men are at high risk for developing serious diseases and are turning to yoga to decrease these potential health problems. The Center for Disease Control reports that the leading causes of death in men are heart disease and cancer. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 68.3 million men are considered overweight obese (a BMI, body mass index, of 25 or greater). Men are also prone to diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and high blood pressure.
Tales from the Yoga Mats: Yoga isn’t for Women Anymore
Men of all age ranges and physical abilities are turning to yoga as a way to stay in optimum physical condition. They are also using yoga as complementary cross-training to sports.
David Aagaard, a 58 year- old yoga student from Auburn, California, has been taking yoga for four years at his fitness club. He was initially drawn to yoga in the 1980s when it was offered at a local adult evening class.
“For me, it is a good all around workout centering on flexibility, breathing, relaxation, and strength building. It is also a stress reliever. If I can do yoga two times a week (1 1/2 hour classes) and also do aerobic activities three to four times a week for one hour
sessions, that is a good weekly schedule for me right now at this stage of my life,” explains Aagaard.
He has seen more men participating in classes at his fitness club, although the yoga conference he attended recently was primarily women.
Aagaard, who practices a combination of Ashtanga and Yin yoga, enjoys the Sun Salutations (A and B).
“Even when I wasn’t doing yoga regularly, I would always do a form of Sun Salutations as a warm-up for running.”
Aaron Smith, a 36 year-old computer professional, relies on yoga as a stress reliever in his busy life. He was hesitant to try a yoga class at first.
“My wife took me to a class. I was skeptical but I found I really liked it,” Smith recalls.
He has been practicing yoga over the past four years and attends classes one to two times a week. His teacher’s style is eclectic and pulls from Ashtanga and other styles including Thai Massage and Pilates.
He thinks that yoga is slowly catching on with men, but men still face some challenges in class.
“I see men come and go in the class, but there is only a handful that attends regularly. I think it still suffers from prejudices and misconceptions. When someone does try it, I think it can be very intimidating even for someone that considers themselves to be in shape. The combination of strength, flexibility and balance can be very demanding and could frustrate a man who thought the class would be easy,” explains Smith.
Smith offers sound advice to men so they won’t feel as intimidated when they first begin their yoga practice.
“Go with a friend; it doesn’t matter if they have experience or not. Having someone you are not hesitant to talk over what is working, and what is difficult can help. Give it some time; you are going to be using different muscles in different ways even if you are active in other sports.”
Not only does he enjoy the energy and endurance he has found through his regular practice, he knows he is fighting the aging process at an early age.
“I am far more flexible than any of my friends or co-workers my age. I see this
as an investment in avoiding joint replacements in another forty years. It takes me out of my head (where I spend most of my day) and gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment especially when I’m able to finally do a pose I have been working on.”
The Male Yogi’s Perspective
As a male teacher, Yoga Jason (owner of Yoga Jason LLC, www.yogajason.com), has seen the progression of more men attending classes.
“I find that men are much more likely to attend a class with a male instructor. I think that men have labeled yoga as a thing for women and when they see that a man is teaching they see that it can also be something for them,” Yoga Jason explains.
Yoga Jason, a teacher based out of Amsterdam, created a DVD “You Can Yoga” in which three teachers are teaching the same lesson but at their own level of experience.
Yoga Jason offers his students a purely physical yoga experience.
“I founded my yoga school and production company, Yoga Jason LLC, under the slogan 'No Religion, Just Relaxin’. A big turn off for a lot of people, in my experience, is the chanting and New Age aspects of yoga. I offer people a full physical practice without any sort of preaching or Hindu side effects. You can achieve the full benefits of yoga without going into that.”
He mentioned that ten years ago yoga was associated with women and hippies but that’s not the case anymore.
“Now with so many different teachers and styles available to the masses there is something for everyone if you just search hard enough and don't judge the entire yoga world on stereotypes or based on one experience.”
According to Yoga Jason, he encourages students to try many different teachers in the beginning until they find someone the like. The most common thing he sees is that people only try one form of yoga and think that’s it. He thinks students need to explore other lessons and teachers and stick with what suits them best.
“You should choose your yoga teacher as selectively as you choose your partner because in the end it is a relationship,” advises Yoga Jason.
Golfer and Author Looks to the Power of Yoga
Jimmy Apfelbaum, golfer and author of The Gigantic Book of Golf Quotations and That’s Golf, turned to yoga to help him with his golf game and to rehabilitate from a softball injury.
He stumbled upon yoga at his local Austin, Texas coffeehouse and became hooked on yoga ever since. Although, he had to reshape his athletic philosophy when he first began his practice.
“I had an entirely Western athletic view grounded in the necessity of ‘pushing it’ to get results. This attitude extends well beyond sports, of course,” explains Apfelbaum.
Apfelbaum has noticed an increased interest in yoga by men; however, he notices that his male peers are still skeptical about yoga.
“I do see more men in the classes. At the same time, there is an appreciable raise of eyebrows and furtive grins from those who see me carrying my mat at the radio station. And yet, professional athletes in all sports have embraced it. Go figure.”
Apfelbaum not only looked to yoga to help him with his injury rehabilitation process, but yoga helps with his overall wellness.
“I am in better shape physically and I like to think mentally than I would be without it, I’m certain. I do it because I know it builds core strength and because it’s fun. I have been dealing with difficult personal issues and I know it’s been instrumental there too. I do think it has helped my focus, something that’s always needed improving, and is critical to sports and to life,” Apfelbaum shares.
Whether men are practicing yoga specifically for the physical experience or for mental and spiritual wellness, men are taking yoga seriously. Yoga helps men increase their longevity, heal injuries and become better athletes.
According to Smith, there is an extra perk for single men who take yoga.
"If you are single, realize that a man in a yoga class is going to get plenty of attention based on the ratio that exists."
Sources:
Interviews: Aaron Smith, David Aagaard, Jimmy Apfelbaum, Yoga Jason
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm
www.cdc.gov
Save this Page
digg this
Stumble thisAdvertisement
Advertisement
Microsoft Office 2007
The invention of Microsoft Office 2010 is a big change of the world.
By using Office 2010 Professional, you can save your money and time.
Microsoft Office is so great!
Office 2010 –save your time and save your money.
Office 2010 key is for you now!
Office 2010 download is available now!
Many people like buy Office 2010 Home.
Office Professional 2010 is great!
Microsoft Office 2007 can give you more convenient life.
Buy Office 2007 you can get much convenience.
Microsoft Office is so good!
Office 2007 key is very convenient!
Office 2007 download is helpful!
Choose Office 2007 Professional is the most lucky thing in the world.
Microsoft company invent the Office 2007 home for many people.
Office Professional 2007 is many people’s favorite.
replica watches
Yves Saint Laurent Handbags replica made by Louis Vuitton are one of the most copied Luxury brand in the world. They have had international fame with their high end marc Jacobs Wallet. Louis Vuitton, the company is one of the most trusted designer brands, and they have very strict guidelines on their designs and quality. cheap GUCCI Wallet It is very easy to identify a fake Louis Vuitton from a authentic one. If you are buying a Louis Vuitton in person who will now that you can only buy a new authentic dior Wallet replica Handbags in their own authorized stores and Neiman Marcus. If you are trying to buy one elsewhere it is very possible that it is not authentic. Online they have more places to buy authentic replica Mulberry Handbags, but be aware any Versace replica Handbags you try to buy online that is discounted or cheaper than on their retail site, thomas Wylde Handbags eLuxury, replica Giverchy Handbags is fake, christian Dior replica Handbags period. mulberry replica Handbags The classic look of Louis Vuitton is the monogram patten they have become known for. They have sold this pattern throughout the world and it is their bread and butter. In 2003 they made some variation on the classic brown monogram when they introduced the Murakami design. Versace Handbags It was available in White, Versace Handbags Black, and some locations Pink. This pattern was a revitalization of the company and they sold more of those patterns in a 2 year period than any other designs.Some important things to remember is that all Authentic Louis Vuitton are numbered by style, there is a number inside the cheap Bally Handbags on a leather tag, usually on the D-Ring. Another great thing to look for is that real LV's only use oxidizing leather on the trim of theircheap Yves Saint Laurent Handbags. Also the logo pattern on all cheap Prada Wallet will match when the seam comes together, if you see one where the seam does not match, it is fake. Also the stitching on their cheap Mulberry Handbags are perfect, they do not release any coach Handbags with imperfections at all, they are destroyed.
h3300723
Vibram Five Fingers
Vibram Five Fingers
Supra Trainers
Supra Trainers
Tiffany Jewellery Tiffany
replica watches
For years, people have wanted to look like the celebrities they see on screen- or, maybe, once in a while, off screen. But celebrities and world-class fashion designers go hand in hand, and what these A-list designers create comes with price-tags that the common man cannot afford.That is where replicas step in. Cashing in on the desire of many people to look as glamorous as the Page 3 people, many companies have taken to creating replicas for those with money constraints. The best thing about these replicas? They look exactly the same as the original, but are much cheaper. Clothes, jewellery, shoes and replica handbags are being replicated with gusto- and replica bags are among the most popular.A Louis Vuitton replica is an absolute necessity for everyone. It is something you carry your world in. And sometimes, the Louis Vuitton handbags cheap can also be a fashion statement, and what better way to make that statement than with a glamorous christian Dior handbags?replica Chloe handbags are often just that- fake. Little signs that often escape notice flash "FAKE" all over- a authentic Fendi handbags that spells the designer's name as "Channel", or a poor dust cover, a little fading of the color, or a bit of careless stitching can leave you feeling duped. Fendi handbags are also frequently made of low-quality material and doesn't last long.However, some companies go the extra mile in making even a Chloe replica handbags. These Chloe replica can be of a quality very close to the original designer handbags purses. Everything is done carefully- from selecting the material (usually high-quality cowhide leather) to an exact reproduction of the stitching, and all the correct markings, including the positioning of the designer logo. These Louis Vuitton handbags wholesale can be a bit expensive compared to other louis vuitton outlet, but when they are sold wholesale, the price often comes down to a very affordable level.From Louis Vuitton handbags made, Louis Vuitton handbags 2010,Fendi replica handbags, Gucci replica handbags, Jimmy Choo replica handbags, Fendi leather handbags, replica Gucci handbags, Chloe replica handbags,Chloe handbags replica , replica Coach handbags,Fendi handbags , Chloe replica,imitation louis vuitton handbags , Louis Vuitton on sale , designer bags, Fendi replica handbags, designer bags, designer handbags at discount prices, Louis Vuitton handbags wholesale, Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags On Sale,Cartier handbags , authentic Fendi handbags,Jimmy Choo replica handbags , Yves Saint Laurent to Hermes, and from Hermes replica, Prada handbags, Coach handbags, bally bags, bow replica burberry handbags to quilted flap Prada replica- every designer and their cheap knockoff louis vuitton handbags find a representation in replicas, so that customers are spoiled for choice. Plus, customers can also buy an authentic-looking shopping replica Coach handbags (in small, medium and large sizes) and an invoice (blank or printed) with the respective designer's label.
Today, buy cheap nike air
Nike air max shoes continues and continues to keep the heat out chirning new colors of nike air max 90 each with more and more interesting than the last. This is called the mens nike air max 90 of the University of Akron and is based on official school colors. It will have a top that is predominantly blue color and are made of patent leather rand gold Flywire and a white swoosh is bordered by gold trim.
Which are the perfect gucci
Need evening dresses,or
It is quite
It is quite common that links of london women usually have the desire to buy new jewelries which are seemed to be better than the old ones. Simply because, links of london jewellery to a great extent, a large number of people could not withstand the temptation of these dazzling links of london sweetie bracelet jewels engraved links of london bracelets's unique logo. links of london braceletIn respect that unique taste and personal qualities will be displayed if the charm bracelet are well matched with clothes. Jewels can always catch the eyes of women who can not resist the links of london rings temptation of these shining ornaments.
It is by no
It is by no means unusual to links of london see women shuttling among jewelry stores where various jewelries have great attraction to them. Â People born links under Libra are often fair and elegant. Â Since jewels, as an indispensable ornament to dresses, play an important role in displaying one's distinctive personalities if they are properly matched. Maybe you are obsessed with various links of london jewellery jewelries, but have you ever considered that whether the jewelries you obtained are really suitable for you? Do they links of london bracelet highlight you?
It can present
It can present the relatives links of london at Linkscraft. In New York, silver will links of london jewellery be out of livestock. Connect of london, the logo of style, has been popular For a comparatively not links of london friendship bracelet vivid youngster, it is free because it is super standard among ladies and links rings romance & daydream. Do you want to live lacking the links london .
Evening dresses With more
dresses