Where to find decent Yoga for men.

[Colourfingers2]

I’m 47 and I work in the building trades. I’m self employed and a decorator by trade and I’m beginning to find that my stress levels are going through the roof and my joints are really feeling the cold especially when working outside.
I was far more flexible even 5 years ago.
My ex DW/DP Mum of my babies 10&6 who’s still my best friend suggested I try Yoga for men.
So I looked into it and every Yoga thing for men seems to be obsessed with sex . Improve it make it last longer etc.
Admittedly I’ve not had sex for 5 years because nobody could be her but blimey if I haven’t got it right by my age I’m not going to now am I.
I just need to find some stress relief yoga for men somewhere between Fulham and Kingston that isn’t going to market itself on the basis of sex. It’s to help me with work and my mental health ffs nowt more.
Is there anyone who can recommend something because surely not all men approaching middle age are obsessed with bloody sex. I’ve been there done it and had enough of it.

Where are you based? I think it’s often a case of just getting the right teacher - I go to a mixed class with a male teacher who is fantastic. If you happen to be west/South Yorkshire based I’d really recommend him.

Also, separate issue, but I wonder if it would be better for your mental health long term if you were able to emotionally separate a bit more from your ex

Oh sorry, missed that you are in Fulham so not very handy for Yorkshire!

Yeah it’s South West London. I live between Kingston, Putney and Wimbledon also I’d need something in the evenings because of work.

Tbh I don’t actually care if the teacher is male, female or something else. It makes no difference to me. I just want someone competent and spiritually soothing who is not obsessed with sex which every ad seems to be for some reason lol.

I must also clarify that I am not going to be able to put any limbs behind my neck. Tendinitis of the shoulders is an occupational hazard I’m afraid.

I don’t think I can. She was the best life partner I could ever have wished for we just grew apart because of different ambitions and cultures. She wasn’t happy I wasn’t happy and when I started spending time at the pub instead of going home because I thought my presence was making her unhappy because of the daft arguments we sat down and talked and decided to separate because I said being from a broken home is one thing for our children but growing up in one is a far worse thing entirely. She went back to our house in the Czech Republic which I signed over to her so her and the kids would always have security and a home and I stayed here where my work is so I could support them. She has another partner now and he’s great with the kids. He’s not trying to take my place as their Dad he’s a friend and big brother type figure in their lives. We get on well. I’m just meant to be single that’s life and as long as my family is ok I’m happy to be so because they matter.
Thankyou for asking though that meant something.

Are you anywhere near Royal Lodge in er England? I hear Prince Andrew has just fired his live in yogi.

Nah but if the new owners need some decorating done as long as it ain’t too cold outside…. Lol.

Look for a beginner’s Hatha yoga class to learn the basics and ignore the “hard sell” on how it will improve your sex life, masculinity, etc. Yes, it might do, but it’s just a gender-based sales pitch.

None of the standard yoga classes I've attended have ever mentioned sex, but they've been mixed sex classes rather than female/male only. Might be worth a try (perhaps the marketing is different!)...

I think there might be one looking for a gig after King Charles told Andrew he wasn’t paying for his any more….

I don’t think you need to look for ‘men’s yoga’ rather a welcoming beginners class or all levels class where the teacher offers modifications for those with less flexibility, mobility or injuries. My yoga place (I’m a women) has mostly female students and teachers, but not all. My husband comes along once a week or so, sometimes he is the only man in the class, sometimes there are several others. As well as Hatha suggested above, see if there are any Yin Yoga classes (slow, mostly low to the ground long held poses), I was pretty yoga adverse until I found this. Yin Yoga is also great for evening practice. Good luck finding sometime.

*something

I'm in SW London but not exactly where you are. I wouldn't look specifically for one for men but try a mixed class perhaps with a male teacher if you're comfortable with that.

MoreYoga, YogaPoint Brixton we're both a good 50/50 men and women when I went. YogaPoint might be too far for you but I found it much more meditative and relaxing rather than exercising.

I'd also suggest looking for a Hatha Yoga class - this is low and slow, really opening the joints and resting in them to stretch and improve movement. Vinyasa etc are faster and more about sweating.

Yogahaven in Richmond has lots of men attending. It is generally hot yoga there (good for joints), but start with a yoga basic class.

I’m a die-hard yoga fan and have never seen any reference to sex in ads. I go to the most wonderful hot yoga studio in London (too far for you) and there are increasingly more men. I know at least two who are in the building trade, but there are men and women from all walks of life an in all shapes and levels of fitness. Equal mix of male and female teachers. There has never been any reference to sex in the hundreds of classes I’ve attended there.

I think it’s great that you want to take up yoga and hope you find a great studio.

Try Hotpot yoga one have just opened a studio in Putney.. try them .. lots of man go to the studios I go too

I agree with everyone else. I think your mistake has been looking for yoga classes specifically aimed at men as opposed to simply mixed classes for beginners. Good luck with your search.

Would you try an online yoga class? I know a brilliant teacher who teaches in various places ( not south London though) as well as online some evenings. He has men & women in class, open to all. I'll try a link

Jessesaunders.net

Quite a few men at any yoga class I've been too. Just go to any beginners yoga class.

I happily pay £8 a week just for the 10 minute lie down without kids bothering me whilst in shavasana. Worth every penny.

I just go to a class at my local council run leisure centre. The class is about 30% men

^ This. Try your local Leisure Centre.
I'd recommend trying a couple of classes as each teacher has a different style.

Some PureGyms have yoga classes for an extra £4 (as the basic membership is under £20 a month, it's still cost effective). I know of one male yoga teacher that does classes in South London - maybe he does SW as well? You can check any pg to see - and having access to the other stuff can be good for gently mobilising and ironing out any underutilised opposing muscle groups to the ones you work hardest during the day.