10 Wonderful Yoga Poses for Men

Muscular hips, hamstrings, and shoulders, strong powerful body, men are known to be rough and tough. But a wider known fact is that Men are comparatively less flexible and supple. They might feel difficulty in bending, stretching and moving their body all around in comparison with women.

While watching athletes move their body smoothly and easily, if you wish for your body to be as flexible as theirs and enhance your overall being, then start practising Yoga for men.

The wonderful art of yoga alleviates a being at all levels. From strengthening and stretching the muscles of the entire body (even those that could not be activated in gyms) to improving the body posture and increasing flexibility — yoga offers a range of benefits for men. The asanas combined with right breathing techniques heal you inside out. It improves your physical appearance, makes you active and supple, improves the functioning of internal organs, improves your endurance and stamina, provides mental relief and, also improves sexual performance.

Before you consider the art of yoga is not your cup of tea, know that yoga has no restrictions. Regardless of gender, age or body type, Yoga is for all and everyone. Here is a list of basic yoga poses for men that they can greatly benefit from:

Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend: It is one of the most effective yoga postures for men. It opens the hips, back of the legs, and the back and provides a good stretch to the muscles of entire body.

How to: Stand with feet hip-distance apart. Hinge forward slowly at the hips and bring the torso towards the floor. Bend the knees to take the pressure out from the back and hamstrings. Grab toes or ankles. If you feel difficulty, then place your hands on thighs. Hold the posture for a few deep breaths and come back to standing pose.

Utkatasana or Chair Pose: Builds strength in the ankles, shoulders, glutes, and Quadriceps. The yoga pose also provides stability to the abdominal organs.

How to: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Inhale and raise the arms overhead parallel with palms facing down. Now exhale, bend the knees and lower your pelvis in a chair-like shape. Bring the weight onto the heels, keep the core engaged and – shoulders relaxed. Hold the pose for a few breaths.

Navasana or Boat Pose: It is one of the extremely beneficial yoga asanas for men. It reduces tension in the pelvic region, stimulates the prostate gland, and improves the functioning of digestive system.

How to: Lie on the back and keep arms aside. Lift both legs off the mat on inhaling. Try to keep the knees straight. Lift the upper body and reach towards your feet with hands. Keep your spine erect. Hold the pose for 15-20 seconds.

Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog: It is a great yoga posture for men as it provides great stretch to the entire body. It strengthens the back, calves, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. The yoga pose is a great warm-up asana and helps calm the mind.

How to: Come on all fours in a table-top position. Tuck your toes and lift your hips up and back. Now, keep your back straight, slowly straighten the legs to form a V- shape with the body. Let your head hang and neck relaxed and breathe deeply.

Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge Pose: It is a fantastic yoga asana for men as it improves the balance of the body and opens the hip flexors. It lengthens and strengthens most of the body parts including hips, chest, spine, ankles and knees.

How to: Start in downward facing dog position. Breathe in and keep the right foot forward. Keep the knee in line with the ankle to ensure the right knee forms right angle with the floor. Keep your hands on the mat or in prayer position or extend them overhead.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or Bridge Pose: The pose helps open the upper body and releases tight muscles. Practicing this pose regularly generates more space in the chest, relieves fatigue, anxiety, headache and cures insomnia.

How to: Lie on the back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Bring your heels close to your hips so that you touch them with your fingers, palms facing down. Press the feet into the mat and lift your hips up with the support of legs. Keep the knees close and thighs parallel to the mat. Hold the posture for 30 seconds.

So dude, what are you waiting for? Practice these yoga postures and get ready for challenges on and off the mat.