There’s plenty of reason for men to try and use yoga, especially for cultivating flexibility. For men who constantly go to the gym and develop their bodies, flexibility can be a major key in accomplishing goals.
Flexibility can not only help you feel looser and stronger, but it can also help in preventing injury and development of triggers points. Especially in the shoulder, chest, and back of your leg.
In fact, some of the most basic poses can help benefit us the most. So here are 5 yoga poses every man should try to improve themselves.
Cat-cow
A gentle upper-body movement that helps warm up the body and bring flexibility to the spine. It helps open up the chest and encourages slow deep breaths. Great for starting any yoga session.
- Begin by inhaling as you drop your belly towards the mat. Lift your chin and chest, and gaze up toward the ceiling. You are now in Cow’s pose.
- Next, move into Cat Pose: As you exhale, bring your belly to your spine and round your back toward the ceiling. This pose should imitate a cat stretching.
Standing Forward Bend
Forward Bend is a great way to wake up your hamstrings, great pose for men, most men will find this pose engage their hamstrings especially if they are tight. This pose might be difficult for most men, so don’t try to force the pose and end up injuring
- Stand with feet together then exhale and bend forward from the hip joints, not from the waist.
- Try to keep knees straight, but if you feel too much resistance definitely bend them slightly so as not to hurt yourself. with each inhales lift slightly and then as you exhale sink deeper into the pose.
Child’s Pose
A great relaxing and resting pose. This pose is perfect for holding long periods at a time, while still providing a good stretch.
- Begin on your knees and your hands resting on them. Center yourself, taking deep breaths.
- Spread your knees wide apart, toes together, and have your buttock rest on your heels.
- on your exhale, bend forward with your arms in front of you, creating a nice gentle stretch.
Reclining Pigeon
When it comes to hip flexibility, men tend to benefit the most. The full pigeon pose is one pose that is very deep and can be difficult for some men. This modified version of pigeons pose is a lot safer and easier to do, better for men just starting out with their hip flexibility.
- Lie on your back with both knees up, then cross one of them onto the other.
- Thread your hands through your thighs. Pull towards your body as far as you can comfortably feel the stretch. Do the same on the other side.
Reclined Twist
The reclined twist is a straightforward passive twist, but still a very relaxing and powerful full-body stretch. a great way to open up the neck, back, chest and shoulders.
- First, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. On an exhalation, bring both knees to your chest
- Next, extend your left leg along the floor keeping your right knee to your chest. Extend your right arm out and turn your head to face that direction.
- Shift your hips slightly to the right, and while exhaling, drop your right knee over the left side of your body.