When I tell someone I’m going to yoga class, I always get a funny look or a joke, especially from men. You can imagine the types of lines I’ve heard, although the women have had their fun as well. I say, ‘I go there to meet chicks,? but it doesn’t fly. I will admit I’ve only seen a few guys in class. So to answer your question, I am not gay.
Moving on? just over a year ago my friend Diane suggested yoga as a way to stay in shape and feel good. So I went a local place, Jewel’s Yoga and Fitness in Clarkston, and discussed the types of classes and the benefits I may gain from it. It sounded promising, so a few weeks later I started classes twice a week.
At first, I did feel awkward and understood why people make jokes about it. During class you’re in several weird pretzel-like positions making strange faces.
In a short time though, I realized I could hold most of the poses, but I was extremely tired. And no way did I want the woman on the next mat to show me up. Yoga isn’t really about that, but it is always there in the male psyche.
Within a few months the routine became easier. I was religious about attending; I became part of the group and noticed some tangible benefits. The most prominent thing was the way I looked. Physically I was in the best shape I had been in since I was in my early 20’s.
Still yoga is more than just body sculpting. As it encompasses deep breathing and other meditation techniques, it allows you to relax enough to forget about everything in life where you can simply focus on the practice. It also provides great cardiovascular benefits and it cleans out many of the superfluous toxins in the body. Perhaps the most intriguing facet is that you learn to use both sides of your body equally.
Now for those of you who need partners to ‘work out? with, yoga is different in that you know others will be there. If you miss a class your mates will definitely remember you weren’t present. I should also mention yoga is very friendly towards the pocketbook. So do all of these reasons sound appealing enough for you to consider trying it for yourself?
Obviously, I am making a pitch for a centuries-old practice that yet seems to be obscure to many people. What I have learned more than anything is I certainly do not feel good as I could when I miss a session. It has become part of my everyday life and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Nonetheless, I’ll still hear the wisecracks and funny jokes. Well, I can say this: if I were to ever meet a girl in class at least I know what she looks when she’s at her worst. Namaste.