@theyogidr

Whether you consider yourself a professional athlete or simply enjoy working out, if yoga is not a part of your regime, you’re simply missing out. Scientifically speaking, yoga improves cardiovascular health, mental capabilities, posture and can lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Furthermore, with a yoga regime, you won’t only see improvements on the court or field, but in your daily life as well.  Below are six reasons and benefits of why men should incorporate yoga into their exercise routine.

1. Builds muscles

No matter what type of yoga you do—from Hatha to Ashtanga and Bikram—any class will help improve mobility and strength. Yoga poses and breathing techniques will help build your core and build up more muscles throughout your body than from just weights or bench presses. Through yoga poses, you’ll also build better balance.

@bchanwarrior

Additionally, yoga can help guys build better flexibility, as it’s great for relieving tension and stiffness in your body. Don’t worry if you’re not flexible to begin with, as flexibility comes with time. More importantly, by building better flexibility, you’ll prevent sport injuries.

2. Work out the whole body

In addition to building up muscles, yoga works out the whole body. No matter which type you participate in, through yoga you can increase your strength, balance and cardio. Poses can help challenge your body to reach new levels not found in other workout routines.

Moreover, by working out the whole body through yoga, it will in turn help make your personal workout of choice more effective.

@bchanwarrior

3. Clears the mind

As mentioned above, yoga is a great stress reliever and brings a better peace of mind. Studies have shown that yoga “can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and may be helpful for both anxiety and depression.”

@theyogidr

Yoga is also a great way to take time out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and help cultivate quietness in the body and mind. Especially for men that internalize their emotions, with added quietness, it can help you focus better and gain better inner awareness.

4. Get better sleep

Yoga not only teaches you meditation tactics, but a regular yoga routine can help relieve insomnia at night. Research has shown that a regular practice of yoga can improve your overall sleep quality and sleep duration. This in turn can help cure fatigue and stress.

5. Natural detox

Yoga is a great way to detox your body and gain better digestion and metabolism. For instance, with added flexibility, it flushes out lactic acid. In addition, certain yoga poses can help increase a natural detox, including: Parivrtta Utkatasana, Garuda-asana, Marichyasana and Pincha Mayurasana.

6. Build your personal network

Lastly, by attending yoga classes you can build your own yoga communities. It’s a great way to meet new people and form new relationships, whether you’re looking for friends or a partner. Plus, yoga can help you get to know yourself better, which can in turn help you form closer relationships.

So guys, what are you waiting for? Throw on some yoga leggings, find a local club and maintain a more sustainable lifestyle. Just remember that yoga takes practices and patience, don’t expect to be super flexible and stronger after one class.