Yoga, Pilates, Qigong and other mindful movement practices are gaining traction with men. Here, Kate Kirrane explores the reasons behind this shift.
When I first came to the yoga mat in my late teens, I distinctly remember being surprised by the lack of men in class. I was living in London and studios were jam-packed with women of all ages looking super cool and comfortable on their mats… If a man were ever in the room, I would secretly admire him from a distance for having the courage to show up.
The irony is that yoga was actually originally created by men for men… entire yoga styles have been named after men such as Iyengar and Bikram. And the work of philosophers such as Patanjali underpins the main purpose for being on the mat at all.
So, when I started teaching my own classes eight years ago, I decided to set up a men’s class to see what happened. Today I am proud to say that 50% of my students across all of my classes are men. Simultaneously, one of my best friends set up a local Pilates class for older men and it has been one of her busiest and most successful classes to date.
Today, it’s true to say that men participating in mindful movement classes is far more the norm compared to a decade ago. And I have seen first-hand how it is slowly but surely becoming part of how many men look after themselves…
Yet the reasons are practical rather than trendy.
Beyond The Gym
For many men, fitness has long been rooted in competition, whether lifting, running or team sport. As brilliant as this is, the result can mean managing the likes of recurring injury, stiff hips or nagging lower backs. The beauty of mindful movement classes such as yoga, Pilates and Qigong is that they specifically tackle those problems. They build mobility, core strength and balance in ways that complement other more traditionally ‘male’ forms of exercise. And this is why many athletes now incorporate them as a foundational part of their routine.
A Different Kind Of Strength
Pilates in particular appeals to those who want a stronger, more stable core without the pounding of high-impact exercise. Yoga provides an often unexpected challenge, where the benefits go far beyond the physical, such as improved mental health and sleep. And Qigong, with its slow, flowing movements and focus on breath, offers something gentler that is accessible at any age or fitness level, and is a nice option for those put off by more demanding classes.
Stress & The Modern Workday
Long hours at a desk, constant notifications and the pressure to keep up all take a toll. Mindful movement gives men a structured chance to slow down, breathe and switch off. Many report better sleep and a calmer head after regular practice. Because these classes involve a physical focus, they can feel more approachable than sitting quietly and trying to meditate.
Changing Attitudes
Perhaps the biggest shift is cultural. Conversations about mental health and wellbeing are more open than they once were, and men are increasingly comfortable talking about stress, flexibility and recovery. Seeing friends, colleagues and sports figures talk about their own practice makes it easier to walk into a first class without feeling out of place.
Finding A Class That Feels ‘Right’
If you’re new, there’s no need to be flexible or experienced. A good teacher will offer options for every body, and beginner and mixed-ability classes are a friendly place to start. Many men find that after just a few sessions, the stiffness eases, the mind quietens and they leave feeling surprisingly energised.
Said Jane Green, Qigong teacher in Beaconsfield, Bucks: “The three things I particularly love about working with men are:
- 1) their surprise at how much they get from it. They often don’t expect much from such gentle movements. I love that moment when they realise their shoulders feel looser or they feel more relaxed than when they arrived.
- 2) Their commitment once they’ve felt the difference. Once they experience something that helps them, I find they’re really good at sticking with it and practising regularly.
- And 3) seeing them enjoy a gentler approach to movement. It’s lovely to see them discover that they can get something valuable from moving without having to push themselves hard, and start to enjoy that time for themselves.”
Whether you want to ease an aching back, improve your golf swing, switch off from a noisy mind or simply find an hour of calm in a busy week, our classes are open to everyone. Come along, bring a water bottle and an open mind, and see how you feel.
At Seed We Offer Mindful Movement Classes as follows:
Yoga – Kate Kirrane (Vinyasa Flow) / Jane Davies (Inside Flow / Puppy Yoga) / Kirsten Orchard (Yin)
Pilates – Nimisha Campbell / Kirsten Orchard
QiGong – Jane Green
Garuda – Kirsten Orchard
