Just like I have a little problem with men writing about childbirth, I too believe that when it comes to understanding men, it’s best to ask a man!

It’s always been a mystery to me as to why, oh why, there are generally so few men in yoga classes. Yes, it’s good for your health. Yes, it’s a great cross-training tool if you’re a jock. And did I mention to all my single guy friends that there’s an abundance of healthy women in spandex around (sorry for pandering here).

So, I posed a question to Jim Whiting, my friend, fellow over of yoga, fabulous teacher. …and a male! The question is the title of his guest post.

Where are All the Boys (in my yoga class)?

Has this ever happened to you? You set your yoga mat down, get into a seated position, look around, and realize you are the only male in the class! Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with being the only guy, but, you’ve got to ask yourself “Where are all the guys?” Granted there are a the few of us who regularly attend classes, but for the most part I am used to only one or two guys in a class. Being a guy myself, I have to ask the question; “Where are all the guys in my yoga class?”

Since I started teaching yoga classes, in 2007, this hasn’t changed much. I have noticed a slight upswing in the number of guys willing to try it out, but the number who stick with it seems pretty steady, one or two! Yoga has gained popularity in our culture, and more people do yoga now in the U.S. than in India! Yet, yoga remains mostly associated with being something that only women do. Maybe a clue lies in the false perceptions about doing yoga.

“Yoga is for Girls.”

Yes, and yoga is for everybody else too! Everybody benefits from doing yoga. It is a win/win situation. Who doesn’t want to look better, feel better and be in better health? Let’s face it, in our western culture women have often taken the lead in self-care, as guys we often perceive not being the best as a sign of weakness, and our “manhood” is called into question. With many athletes and celebrities now speaking out about the benefits of yoga, it has helped to change the “yoga is for girls” myth, but for many it remains intact.

Would John Wayne have done yoga? Most likely not, but Adam Levine, David Beckham, Mathew McCoaughey and Robert Downey, Jr. do!! It’s 2014!, but perceptions are hard to change. But consider this; hatha yoga was created by males some 5,000 years ago! Come on guys, isn’t about time we reclaimed some our own heritage? (P.S. I saw Woody Harrelson at Kripalu a number of years ago in a class…sign .Judi)

“I’m not flexible enough.”

To be fair, this statement often crosses gender lines. I hear it from both male and females when they need a reason why they can’t come to a yoga class. I can only state the male side of this reason, and it is the main reason why most males come to a class and never return. They are worried about looking bad, especially in front of the girls. Looking bad or weak just goes against every red blooded, all American self-image we have cultivated. It goes against the grain of everything we as a society put forth as the quintessential male image.

The main problem I have with this argument is that, no one starts out flexible! We ALL start out struggling. It takes work and it takes practice. You can’t just show up to a yoga class and be as flexible as an advanced yoga practitioner! Yet this happens over and over again. Guys come to my yoga class, most have spent time building up the upper body at the gym, and are embarrassed and put off that they aren’t as flexible as someone who can do back bends, forward bends and can touch their toes!

It is worth repeating, “it’s a yoga PRACTICE!” We all start from different places. We are ALL practicing. If your inflexible somewhere, that’s the area to focus on not shy away from. That is what takes a bit of courage.

The other side of this faulty logic is that most people in a yoga class, really don’t even notice what you are doing. They are too busy trying to advance that bend, or opening up hamstrings a little further with downward dog. We are all there to generate good health, not to win a competition. No one is keeping score except for maybe you. If you must compete, let it be with yourself. Courage begins with looking at our weakest parts, and not being afraid to step out of the box, even if we perceive ourselves as looking weak, funny looking and not in control. It takes courage to let yourself be vulnerable. The best thing about a yoga practice is, you won’t be weak, funny looking, not in control, in a class, on a mat or in your own mind for very long.

“Do I have to join a cult or become a vegetarian?”

The choice to eat meat or not is a debate best saved for another time, and I leave it at, “to each their own.” Sure in yoga class we use funny sounding words that are often hard to pronounce like “Namaste” or “Shanti.” Be assured these are words that simply mean peace or love. No one is asking you to become a Hari Krishna, give up all worldly possessions and sell flowers at the airport. Most teachers are honoring a tradition that has been handed down verbally for thousands of years. Many teachers either carry on the traditions, or modify them, Some ignore them completely.

There are more styles and teachers here in the west than there have ever been in the history of yoga. Yoga has been adapted and modified to fit just about anybody and anything. You want a work out; there is flow Yoga, to sweat; there is hot yoga, you need to recover from an ailment or injury; there is restorative yoga. There is yoga for kids If you can’t stand up; there is chair yoga. You can even do yoga naked or with your dog! There is virtually a yoga for everyone and just about everything. Which is pretty good considering one size does not fit all. Even with all of these variations, you will only get out of it what you put in. Whether or not you drink the cool aid is up to you, but at least you now have a large variety of flavors to choose from.

About the author: Jim Whiting is a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and a Reiki Master, has studied Iyengar Yoga with Ras Mulhultra, and is a member of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship. He has been initiated in the Himalayan and Kripalu traditions and has studied the Bhagavad Gita at the Hindu Temple in Loudonville, New York. He offered instruction in yoga and Meditation at the Stram Center in Delmar, New York, and works to bring inspirational programs in yoga and meditation to the larger community via his website, and the Capital District Community Yoga programs offered periodically (capitalyoga@yahoo.com).