On my recent trip to Los Angeles I attended a three hour practice with Anusara teacher Todd Tesen. There were about 9 of us in the room and 4 were men. The men were of various shapes and sizes but each one of them had an amazingly beautiful practice. They exemplified poetry in motion and are a  testament to why I think men should practice yoga. Not only because I think it's incredibly sexy (which I admit I do find it that) but rather its the presence they hold then they practice.  They are graceful, vibrant,  and powerful with their actions yet able to show a sweetness, a surrendering to their strength. Yogi men move with the intention of embracing more yet at the same time, allowing more of themselves to shine out simply for the joy.  These men had a willingness to play with the body, to discover more of their potential and accept their limitations and to do it  for no other reason, then its damn fun. 

  Men seem to be afraid of Yoga, perhaps because so many women have embraced it that there is hesitation to try it. Do they think it's too easy?   Try a practice with Todd Tesen and one will soon change their mind about that!  One excuse I hear often from men is that they are not flexible enough to do yoga, but that's the whole point! We come to yoga because we want to become more flexible and stronger, we want more out of lives and this is a great way to achieve it.  A few male yogi friends have told me that they started to practice yoga because they 'heard lots of hot chicks were doing it' and while that is true( many of them have stayed with the practice because of what it has given them. A place that is free of judge-ments, a place where they could increase their physical ability as well as their mental focus and concentration. They got strong, increased their flexibility and improved their health and checked out 'hot chicks'! What more can a man ask for?!

Yogi men move with an awareness of not only their physical form but also of their inner self. Yogi men exude an inner stillness and confidence that is magical to see. To watch a male yogi have complete control over their body, someone like Todd, who is so incredibly graceful with how he moves his body, yet maintains a humility and a sensitivity that shows how powerful he is. One only has to take a class from him to see how he loves the practice of yoga and how  the practice has served him in ways beyond description. John Friend is another one to watch if given the opportunity, he rarely demonstrates in a workshop and only once have I had the pleasure of seeing him in action. Truly magnificent! So calm  yet the waves of energy flowing off him, inspiring all those around him. I have to admit that I love being in the presence of any Anusara Yoga teacher, male or female because they are simply inspiring. This photo is of Brandon who practiced beside me at Todd's workshop in Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. He offered it out beautifully while I, well, it's still a work in progress. 

Men should practice yoga because it will enrich your life; Yoga makes everything better. I love men that do yoga, they are clued in and cool. So get off the couch, bench, chair and just do it!!!  If you have any questions about where to attend classes or how to start, I will be more then happy to help.  Just get out there and I will see you soon on the Yoga mat!!!

info@tahneesyogaspace.com