Forums > Social Chat > yoga?
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Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
ok, first a disclaimer: I did a search already and I can't be botherered to look more than a few pages into it, so if a thread like this already exists and you want to tell me to "do a durbs", then either just post the link without being cheeky or keep your trap shut! ok?
I've been thinking about getting into yoga for a while, and I've heard that there are some good classes here in berlin that are reasonably priced and the times are nicely flexible. But despite my curiosity, I'm kind of reluctant to go. part of this is time commitment, which i know I'm not particularly skilled at when it comes to this sort of thing. But I think another part is not knowing what to expect out of a yoga class, compounded by the fact that I am only semi-fluent in the language the majority of the people will speak. Then there is the fact that, although I am a spritual person, I don't buy into any of that "new age" mumbo-jumbo, and I wonder a bit how much a yoga class is going to touch on that. I want to go exclusively for physical activity and mental relaxation.
So anyway, I figured I'd ask you all if you have any experience with yoga classes and what your experience was/is like so that maybe I can get enough info in my head to overcome my shyness about going. Anyone care to contribute? contributions from other males are especially welcome since I get a vague feeling most yoga classes are estrogen territory.
ok, first a disclaimer: I did a search already and I can't be botherered to look more than a few pages into it, so if a thread like this already exists and you want to tell me to "do a durbs", then either just post the link without being cheeky or keep your trap shut! ok?
I've been thinking about getting into yoga for a while, and I've heard that there are some good classes here in berlin that are reasonably priced and the times are nicely flexible. But despite my curiosity, I'm kind of reluctant to go. part of this is time commitment, which i know I'm not particularly skilled at when it comes to this sort of thing. But I think another part is not knowing what to expect out of a yoga class, compounded by the fact that I am only semi-fluent in the language the majority of the people will speak. Then there is the fact that, although I am a spritual person, I don't buy into any of that "new age" mumbo-jumbo, and I wonder a bit how much a yoga class is going to touch on that. I want to go exclusively for physical activity and mental relaxation.
So anyway, I figured I'd ask you all if you have any experience with yoga classes and what your experience was/is like so that maybe I can get enough info in my head to overcome my shyness about going. Anyone care to contribute? contributions from other males are especially welcome since I get a vague feeling most yoga classes are estrogen territory.
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
BRONZE Member
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted:
Interesting question.... I've done a little bit of yoga here and there, so I will try to address some of your issues.
1. Language barrier: to be perfectly honest, it won't really matter. I have found that most yoga classes use the traditional sanskrit words for the asanas (poses) so unless you speak sanskrit, you have to look at the teacher to figure out what the pose is anyway. Most instructors say "breathe, soften into the pose.. etc etc" which I guess are words you will pick up. The only time I can really see the language barrier being an issue is perhaps during guided meditation/ deep relaxation which tends to end most classes. However, if you're anything like me, you won't listen to the guide however the space and quiet created are sufficient to get you where you need to go.
2. New Age mumbo jumbo: there are several types of yoga, which have varying degrees of spiritual content. hatha yoga, for example is very nurturing and often comprises chanting and deeply concentrates connecting body-mind-spirit. Probably not best for you. Ashtanga is a little the same. You might enjoy bikram (the hot yoga), but it might not give you the meditation you need. I think your best bet is to go to yoga at a gym or health club, as opposed to a yoga studio. I think the health club style yoga is probably more generic and therefore suited to those not wishing to chant or connect with gaia.
3. Estrogen. In most classes I have attended, I'd say there were 2 or 3 guys for every 10 - 15 females. So yeah, it is heavily female dominated, but I usually only go to hatha yoga, which as I stated above, is very "nurturing" and perhaps therefore draws a greater female following? But it's not as if we all sit around and bitch about period pain and how difficult it is to find a good brand at tampons at the 7-11. Gender is really irrelevant.
Yoga is a very personal thing. There is no competitiveness and people who understand yoga are not there to judge how inflexible your groin appears to be. Everyone is there for themselves, for whatever reason. If you tell your instructor you are new to yoga, that may alleviate some of your performance anxiety too.
Who knows, you might end up being right into new age mumbo jumbo!
Interesting question.... I've done a little bit of yoga here and there, so I will try to address some of your issues.
1. Language barrier: to be perfectly honest, it won't really matter. I have found that most yoga classes use the traditional sanskrit words for the asanas (poses) so unless you speak sanskrit, you have to look at the teacher to figure out what the pose is anyway. Most instructors say "breathe, soften into the pose.. etc etc" which I guess are words you will pick up. The only time I can really see the language barrier being an issue is perhaps during guided meditation/ deep relaxation which tends to end most classes. However, if you're anything like me, you won't listen to the guide however the space and quiet created are sufficient to get you where you need to go.
2. New Age mumbo jumbo: there are several types of yoga, which have varying degrees of spiritual content. hatha yoga, for example is very nurturing and often comprises chanting and deeply concentrates connecting body-mind-spirit. Probably not best for you. Ashtanga is a little the same. You might enjoy bikram (the hot yoga), but it might not give you the meditation you need. I think your best bet is to go to yoga at a gym or health club, as opposed to a yoga studio. I think the health club style yoga is probably more generic and therefore suited to those not wishing to chant or connect with gaia.
3. Estrogen. In most classes I have attended, I'd say there were 2 or 3 guys for every 10 - 15 females. So yeah, it is heavily female dominated, but I usually only go to hatha yoga, which as I stated above, is very "nurturing" and perhaps therefore draws a greater female following? But it's not as if we all sit around and bitch about period pain and how difficult it is to find a good brand at tampons at the 7-11. Gender is really irrelevant.
Yoga is a very personal thing. There is no competitiveness and people who understand yoga are not there to judge how inflexible your groin appears to be. Everyone is there for themselves, for whatever reason. If you tell your instructor you are new to yoga, that may alleviate some of your performance anxiety too.
Who knows, you might end up being right into new age mumbo jumbo!
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SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
cool, that is the exact type of input I am looking for. Thanx FF!
the part of the "estrogen effect" I worry about is when one guy comes into a group of women doing something (even if they don't talk about feminine issues, which is something that doesn't actually bother me anyway), i get the impression it changes the dynamic, and that this is often not appreciated. And then there are the overtones that the only resaon the guy is there is to pick up women, and I dislike that implication.
cool, that is the exact type of input I am looking for. Thanx FF!
the part of the "estrogen effect" I worry about is when one guy comes into a group of women doing something (even if they don't talk about feminine issues, which is something that doesn't actually bother me anyway), i get the impression it changes the dynamic, and that this is often not appreciated. And then there are the overtones that the only resaon the guy is there is to pick up women, and I dislike that implication.
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
I used to do a class called Body Balance at my gym, which was a mixture of yoga, tai chi and pilates. I used to love it and I never had any trouble understanding what was going on; the instructor always helped if you were stumbling around on one foot like a drunk flamingo (trust me! i have done that a number of times!)
and as for guys - there were a few in most classes, and there was one guy that came every week. He was in his mid 20s, and i think he really got into it. I never felt like he was in pick up mode, to be honest I just thought it was great that a guy was interested in a class that was so stereotypically female.
Basically, if you were to rock up to my class I'd think, "cool, another guy willing to be a bit different and not be concerned about stereotypes"
I used to do a class called Body Balance at my gym, which was a mixture of yoga, tai chi and pilates. I used to love it and I never had any trouble understanding what was going on; the instructor always helped if you were stumbling around on one foot like a drunk flamingo (trust me! i have done that a number of times!)
and as for guys - there were a few in most classes, and there was one guy that came every week. He was in his mid 20s, and i think he really got into it. I never felt like he was in pick up mode, to be honest I just thought it was great that a guy was interested in a class that was so stereotypically female.
Basically, if you were to rock up to my class I'd think, "cool, another guy willing to be a bit different and not be concerned about stereotypes"
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
I agree with FF that you should look into one at a gym and not a yoga center, strictly from stories of others here in Houston who have done the non-gym thing.
As far as being a stray guy in a class, I think the women's attitude will depend on yours. If you act like you are truly interested in the class, then they will treat you as such and have no problems with you. As far as being worried about looking like you are trying to pick them up, again, it's attitude related. Don't try to pick anyone up after your first couple classes. They will eventually really believe that you aren't there for that either.
I agree with FF that you should look into one at a gym and not a yoga center, strictly from stories of others here in Houston who have done the non-gym thing.
As far as being a stray guy in a class, I think the women's attitude will depend on yours. If you act like you are truly interested in the class, then they will treat you as such and have no problems with you. As far as being worried about looking like you are trying to pick them up, again, it's attitude related. Don't try to pick anyone up after your first couple classes. They will eventually really believe that you aren't there for that either.
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
i would like to think that the sort of people going to yoga classes are generally going to be a little more open mimded anyway......... I wouldn't worry about that at all.
I would say one thing - if you are not so sure about the higher meanings and resons behind the teachings of yoga then you may not get much out of the classes or the asanas. Maybe you'd be better doing a dance class or playing sport if you just want something physical.
I personally don't enjoy doing yoga in big classes - apart form the fact that people charge so much for it, i find it impersonal and difficult to progress and understand and develop. I can't get the full benefits because everyone seems just to want to get their money's-worth and bugger off.
i would like to think that the sort of people going to yoga classes are generally going to be a little more open mimded anyway......... I wouldn't worry about that at all.
I would say one thing - if you are not so sure about the higher meanings and resons behind the teachings of yoga then you may not get much out of the classes or the asanas. Maybe you'd be better doing a dance class or playing sport if you just want something physical.
I personally don't enjoy doing yoga in big classes - apart form the fact that people charge so much for it, i find it impersonal and difficult to progress and understand and develop. I can't get the full benefits because everyone seems just to want to get their money's-worth and bugger off.
Geologists do it in the dirt................ 
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
more good points guys - thanks!
more good points guys - thanks!
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
Also, if you are worried about the terminology and looking funny at the first class, there are now yoga video tapes available. I'm sure you could find one on DVD as well. That way, you could review it at home to see if you are really interested in the style and method. Then, if you are stilli interested you could find a class or maybe the video would give you all that you need.
Also, if you are worried about the terminology and looking funny at the first class, there are now yoga video tapes available. I'm sure you could find one on DVD as well. That way, you could review it at home to see if you are really interested in the style and method. Then, if you are stilli interested you could find a class or maybe the video would give you all that you need.
Pooh-Bah
1,662 posts
Location: Bristol
1,662 posts
Location: Bristol
Posted:
the kind of women who don't want men there will most probably go to an all-female class anyway.
and seeing a bloke get in to something like yoga especailly in a room full of women just gives me all the more respect for them.
the kind of women who don't want men there will most probably go to an all-female class anyway.
and seeing a bloke get in to something like yoga especailly in a room full of women just gives me all the more respect for them.
I had a dream that my friend had a
strong-bad pop up book,
it was the book of my dreams.
GOLD Member
veteran
1,459 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
veteran
1,459 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posted:
hmmm.... it's only girls who've answered so far
not sure if it's some male input you're looking for here..... just another big girl i'm afraid....
i hear you though.
i was a little apprehensive when i first took up tai chi class, which incidentally was also in foreign country (holland), i was only semi-proficient at the language then too. i would suggest trying to chat to a teacher first. a good teacher is vital. explain what you're looking for and that you envisage the language being a problem. they should be able to offer you good advice.
FNF is right too, you'll find the majority of people doing yoga, tai chi, chi gung etc. generally tend to have more openminded attitudes. there might be a novelty element if you are the only bloke in the class, but that'll fizzle out as soon as people see you're serious about it.
you mentioned that your reasons for going are exclusively for physical activity and mental relaxation. if you feel after a few weeks that you haven't found what you were looking for in that particular class, don't despair, try another one. you may eventually gain more than you ever expected by trying another class/teacher, another type of yoga etc. i can't vouch for yoga, but with tai chi i know the benefits to me have far exceeded my expectations. your ability to relax (and sleep) improves dramatically, deep diaphragmatic breathing induces bodily and mental calm as the heart rate is slowed (cardiac sinus arrhythmia if you must know) and the nerves of the central nervous system are soothed. shallow rapid breathing can lead to tension which in turn can lead to feelings of irritation & anger. coordination (improved spinning
), balance, posture control, bone density, increased lung capacity and a feeling of mental well being are among the other benefits (can you tell i love my sport? ) and it beats hell out of "mindless" exercise such as plodding on a treadmill with headphones, eyes sadly glued to sky news.....
go for it, i say. as long as you don't turn up to class with a pink leotard wedged up your bum you'll be fine.....
keep us posted on how you do
Written by: vanize
more good points guys - thanks!
hmmm.... it's only girls who've answered so far
not sure if it's some male input you're looking for here..... just another big girl i'm afraid....i hear you though.
i was a little apprehensive when i first took up tai chi class, which incidentally was also in foreign country (holland), i was only semi-proficient at the language then too. i would suggest trying to chat to a teacher first. a good teacher is vital. explain what you're looking for and that you envisage the language being a problem. they should be able to offer you good advice.
FNF is right too, you'll find the majority of people doing yoga, tai chi, chi gung etc. generally tend to have more openminded attitudes. there might be a novelty element if you are the only bloke in the class, but that'll fizzle out as soon as people see you're serious about it.
you mentioned that your reasons for going are exclusively for physical activity and mental relaxation. if you feel after a few weeks that you haven't found what you were looking for in that particular class, don't despair, try another one. you may eventually gain more than you ever expected by trying another class/teacher, another type of yoga etc. i can't vouch for yoga, but with tai chi i know the benefits to me have far exceeded my expectations. your ability to relax (and sleep) improves dramatically, deep diaphragmatic breathing induces bodily and mental calm as the heart rate is slowed (cardiac sinus arrhythmia if you must know) and the nerves of the central nervous system are soothed. shallow rapid breathing can lead to tension which in turn can lead to feelings of irritation & anger. coordination (improved spinning
), balance, posture control, bone density, increased lung capacity and a feeling of mental well being are among the other benefits (can you tell i love my sport? ) and it beats hell out of "mindless" exercise such as plodding on a treadmill with headphones, eyes sadly glued to sky news.....go for it, i say. as long as you don't turn up to class with a pink leotard wedged up your bum you'll be fine.....
keep us posted on how you do
My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
Ooo... being able to sleep better sound WONDERFUL!
I think I'm going to give it a whirl in a week or two, despite the lack of masculine advice here. but I'm glad to hear the positive attitude about having guys in class from so many great women.
and you don't think I'd look good in a tight pink leotard?
Actually, I was wondering about what one wears to a yoga class. I don't have much to pick from - I'll probably wind up having to go in my smily face pajama bottoms!
Ooo... being able to sleep better sound WONDERFUL!
I think I'm going to give it a whirl in a week or two, despite the lack of masculine advice here. but I'm glad to hear the positive attitude about having guys in class from so many great women.
and you don't think I'd look good in a tight pink leotard?
Actually, I was wondering about what one wears to a yoga class. I don't have much to pick from - I'll probably wind up having to go in my smily face pajama bottoms!
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,626 posts
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Pooh-Bah
1,626 posts
Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Posted:
Hey, I'm male and yoga's great! I did it for about 2 years in classes and I still do it when I feel stressed or have excess energy but can't spin!
A typical session for us was a few warm-up stretches and bends, then some classical postures (the meat of yoga), then a relaxation to finish (the best bit!!). They went on for about an hour and a half.. so like 15 mins warmup, 55 mins postures and 20 mins relaxation... which seemed perfect.
The fact was most of ther people there were over 50 at my one so it wasn't strenuous at all... just really relaxing and gentle. Also it matters what kind of yoga you do... Ashtanga for example is really full-on, you-have-to-do-it-this-way yoga whereas mine was Bhaktilevna (I think) which is the yoga of love and devotion.. so just gentle (although still as challenging as you want) and relaxing..
Do some research on the net... check out some websites. It's totally non-gendered (at least for the most part) so don't worry if the person in the pics is female! If I were you I'd look up the sun salutations, read up and try them out (carefully!)..
Wearing stuff... I just used to wear a loose t-shirt and jogging bottoms. Anything like that is fine.
You'll probably love them Yoga is so much fun and it makes you feel so calm and in control. It's amazing, it really is... meditation for the body! Which isn't mumbo-jumbo... it's just nice to feel calm and focussed for the rest of the day. Enjoy Man, this has really inspired me. I'm going to go get my yoga mat out!
Hey, I'm male and yoga's great! I did it for about 2 years in classes and I still do it when I feel stressed or have excess energy but can't spin!
A typical session for us was a few warm-up stretches and bends, then some classical postures (the meat of yoga), then a relaxation to finish (the best bit!!). They went on for about an hour and a half.. so like 15 mins warmup, 55 mins postures and 20 mins relaxation... which seemed perfect.
The fact was most of ther people there were over 50 at my one so it wasn't strenuous at all... just really relaxing and gentle. Also it matters what kind of yoga you do... Ashtanga for example is really full-on, you-have-to-do-it-this-way yoga whereas mine was Bhaktilevna (I think) which is the yoga of love and devotion.. so just gentle (although still as challenging as you want) and relaxing..
Do some research on the net... check out some websites. It's totally non-gendered (at least for the most part) so don't worry if the person in the pics is female! If I were you I'd look up the sun salutations, read up and try them out (carefully!)..
Wearing stuff... I just used to wear a loose t-shirt and jogging bottoms. Anything like that is fine.
You'll probably love them
Yoga is so much fun and it makes you feel so calm and in control. It's amazing, it really is... meditation for the body! Which isn't mumbo-jumbo... it's just nice to feel calm and focussed for the rest of the day. Enjoy Man, this has really inspired me. I'm going to go get my yoga mat out! What a wonderful miracle if only we could look through each other's eyes for an instant.
Thoreau
GOLD Member
Mand's Girl....and The Not So Shy One
2,723 posts
Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Mand's Girl....and The Not So Shy One
2,723 posts
Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Posted:
I've done some Ashtanga Yoga with a private class...this was a while ago, but it was a very cool experience, and did help me utterly relax. The instructor was male, and most of his students were female, but there were no weird feelings from anyone to anyone.
I enjoyed the class, but it got expensive, so I dropped it...I just never picked it up again.
I've done some Ashtanga Yoga with a private class...this was a while ago, but it was a very cool experience, and did help me utterly relax. The instructor was male, and most of his students were female, but there were no weird feelings from anyone to anyone.
I enjoyed the class, but it got expensive, so I dropped it...I just never picked it up again.
Solitude sometimes speaks to you, and you should listen.
Ivetka
211 posts
211 posts
Posted:
I attenting "power" mixed with "hatha" yoga and it is very nice experience.
We have one guy in the class and its absolutely ok.
I live in Holland for half year now and i hardly can understand dutch,but it doesnt matter as Flash Fire wrote already.Our teacher is very kind,she translate me exercises in english when it is neccesary,but mostly I looking at her and she reads final meditetion in dutch and repeat in english sometimes.
Yoga is very nice way to became "silent"!
So listen to your heart and go for what is calling to!
Fox
I attenting "power" mixed with "hatha" yoga and it is very nice experience.
We have one guy in the class and its absolutely ok.
I live in Holland for half year now and i hardly can understand dutch,but it doesnt matter as Flash Fire wrote already.Our teacher is very kind,she translate me exercises in english when it is neccesary,but mostly I looking at her and she reads final meditetion in dutch and repeat in english sometimes.
Yoga is very nice way to became "silent"!
So listen to your heart and go for what is calling to!
Fox
Heaven doesn't want me, and Hell is afraid I'll take over
192 posts
Location: Wolverhampton
192 posts
Location: Wolverhampton
Posted:
I had a dabble with Dru yoga a while back, it was very calming and relaxing. There was a fair mix of female/male in the class and nobody made any comments about the guys being there at all.
Definitely I'd go for a health club type of class rather than a serious yoga studio so you avoid any possibility of mumbo-jumbo!
sin
I had a dabble with Dru yoga a while back, it was very calming and relaxing. There was a fair mix of female/male in the class and nobody made any comments about the guys being there at all.
Definitely I'd go for a health club type of class rather than a serious yoga studio so you avoid any possibility of mumbo-jumbo!
sin
"Abashed, the Devil stood and saw how awful Goodness is"
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,899 posts
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posted:
cool! thanks for the continued input! The enthusiasm you guys have (especially from nearly_all_gone) is pushing me over the edge, so perhaps I'll go next week and see how the place that was recommended to me is.
And I'll ask what the specific type of yoga is next time I see my friend who recommended it.
cool! thanks for the continued input! The enthusiasm you guys have (especially from nearly_all_gone) is pushing me over the edge, so perhaps I'll go next week and see how the place that was recommended to me is.
And I'll ask what the specific type of yoga is next time I see my friend who recommended it.
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
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