Getting More Men into Yoga: Thoughts from a Male Teacher

In 2008, when I attended my first yoga class, I was the only man in the room. It felt intimidating at the time, though after a few sessions it no longer bothered me. Not every man feels the same way, and some choose not to return.

Today, men make up roughly 10 - 20% of most classes I teach or attend – typically 1 or 2 men in a group of 8 to 10. This is an improvement from earlier years, when fewer men participated.

A common comment I hear is that yoga requires flexibility to start. This is not the case. Flexibility develops through practice. As I often say, "It's not 'I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible' – it's 'I'm not flexible because I don't do yoga'." I consider myself one of the least flexible teachers in Western Europe, yet I teach regularly.

Yoga can also provide significant physical challenge. Ashlea's and Theresa's stronger classes, for example, test participants considerably and build real strength.

Beyond flexibility and strength, yoga offers practical benefits for men: it helps prevent injuries during other training or physical work, and it supports mental clarity. I began practicing yoga partly for anger management. It has not eliminated anger, but it allows me to recognise it more clearly before reacting.

Male teachers remain less common than female ones. In the Midlands, I know of three or four male instructors compared to many more women. Increasing the number of male teachers might encourage more men to try classes.

When someone settles into the practice – man or woman – the experience is the same: a sense of peace and presence on the mat.

If you are a man considering yoga, the classes at Castle Barna Wellness Centre are open to all levels and abilities.

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