Man up for Meditation. More and more men are immersing themselves in the benefits of yoga.

The benefits of yoga go far beyond the body and mind. They are contagious to others. And Yoga is not just for the girls, the hippies or the liberals. It is a mediation practice that brings contentment and clarity to all who surrender to it.

My first experience was a hot yoga class. It interested me because it sounded like a challenge - and living in a cold climate - the heat was enticing. I was the only guy in a class of 30 and what I got was the equivalent of the toughest gym workout I had endured in years. It took such extreme focus and determination that I found myself battling my mind. With my mind telling me to quit, exit the pose and take to the floor; my will was forcing me through. Staying in the moment was not an option, it was neccessary. This inner battle would conitnue until shavasna and ... clarity.

Walking out of the studio, I felt a natural high like no other. The sun a bit brighter, the air a bit fresher.

Each time I went to a class, I would battle, endure and then feel this sense of clarity. I soon realized, I was feeling the profound effects of meditation. The quietening of the mind.

I had tried a meditation course before (and fully recommend them); however, my lack of patience is something that still needs work. But with yoga, I had accomplished a meditative state without having to 'try' and I recieved a full body workout at the same time.

I now use yoga to calm my nerves and to charge up my creativity. All my best ideas come to me when I am excercising. And the best of the best, come to me as a result of 90 minutes in a yoga studio.

These days, my preferred yoga practice is Ashtanga and I am one of 8 - 10 guys in any given class.

Unlike most forms of exercise, yoga is a challenge every time. And, it is the exact challenge that you need on that given day. All you have to do is breathe.

The benefits of yoga to men are so numerous. But here's my own top 5 (and as a matter of fact, they apply equally to women)

* C-A-L-M We get so much nervous energy built up in us. Take a Saturday morning class and feel it set the tone for a relaxing weekend. * Flexibility. Improve your game. I play hockey and golf and I felt the positive effects on my game after just a few consecutive classes. It also limbers you up for those regular old weight lifting workouts * Creativity. Take a yoga class at lunch and watch your productivity go up at the office in the afternoon. * Nutrition. I find that attending regular yoga classes, forces you to eat healthier and drink more water. You can hit the gym after a beer and burger lunch, you won't be doing that before yoga! * Abs. Treat yoga as your Abs day in your week of workouts. The core of yoga is the core. No other form of excercise has a better shot at giving you that elusive six-pack.

Whatever your reasons are, enjoy yourself and tell a friend. Yoga people are good people.



-- Steve LePan www.MyFreshStart.ca cell 403.560.1978