Packham Caleb Jude - The Power of Yoga for Men

BLOOMSBURY SPORT

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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This electronic edition published in 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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First published in Great Britain 2022

Text copyright Caleb Jude Packham and Jarod Chapman, 2022

Illustrations David Broadbent, 2022

Caleb Jude Packham and Jarod Chapman have asserted their right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Authors of this work

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The information contained in this book is provided by way of general guidance in relation to the specific subject matters addressed herein, but it is not a substitute for specialist advice. It should not be relied on for medical, health-care, pharmaceutical or other professional advice on specific dietary or health needs. This book is sold with the understanding that the authors and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, health or any other kind of personal or professional services. The reader should consult a competent medical or health professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it. The authors and publisher specifically disclaim, as far as the law allows, any responsibility from any liability, loss or risk (personal or otherwise) which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and applications of any of the contents of this book.

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CONTENTS

If youve picked up this book, chances are you cant remember the last time (if ever) you did a yoga class or even thought about it. You cant touch your toes, or wrap your arms behind your back, nor can you meditate (nor have you tried) because both your mind and your diary are far too full for that.

Or maybe youre that guy whos done a yoga class or two, but youve been put off by your inflexibility. You feel uncoordinated and unbalanced, which makes you frustrated. You think; to heck with it, Im gonna go play football and tear a hamstring instead.

But the thing is, theres a shift happening. And you know it. More and more men are stepping on to the yoga mat, accessing its power in body, mind and spirit. Theyre becoming stronger, more flexible, mentally clear and emotionally attuned.

So here you are. Willing to try something new. Ready to work on yourself. You might be feeling a little unsure, or maybe sceptical. And thats okay.

As the authors of this book, we welcome you to the mat. This is where your yoga journey begins. Youre about to discover the incredible power of this ancient practice, its origins, and its applications for a man in todays world and it wont be what you expect!

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga = union.

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to join together.

Yoga is the union of breath and body, mind and spirit.

Its an ancient practice with modern relevance; a fusion of East and West; a physical practice and an art form; a philosophy and a lifestyle.

Yoga teaches us that through breath, movement, sound and stillness we can quieten our mind and expand our awareness of ourselves and our surroundings.

On their own the yoga postures, or asanas, will improve physical strength, flexibility, balance and spinal health. Yet its when we practise yoga regularly and with intention that we can truly cultivate the intelligence and intuition, sensitivity and wisdom that is so transformational.

Yoga is about getting to know yourself better. It can provide a much-needed source of calm during times of adversity and struggle. It can offer stillness and vitality, comfort and challenge. When one man works on himself it inspires another to do the same, rippling outwards, until the world is filled with pretty awesome men.

As you become more emotionally intelligent and responsive, your ability to nurture yourself and others will grow and develop. This makes life a whole lot more fulfilling, both on and off the mat.

If youre not convinced yet, thats okay. This isnt about brainwashing, but about practice. All we ask is that you try, often, and without cynicism, to unroll your mat and do some yoga. The rest will happen, breath by breath by breath.

BUSTING THE MYTHS

We know lots of men even our friends! who have misconceptions about yoga; who its for and what it involves. We thought wed set the record straight.

MYTH 1: YOGA IS JUST FOR WOMEN

This is one of the biggest myths a lot of guys have stuck in their heads. When in fact, throughout yogas 5000-year history, it has been predominately men who have practised and passed on the lineage.

As yoga exploded across the West in the 1960s, it was women who embraced this movement, leaving us guys behind. Now its our time to catch up!

MYTH 2: ITS NOT A PROPER WORKOUT

If you think yoga is just stretching on a mat, think again. Yoga will test your strength, endurance and cardiovascular system with an intensity thats on a par with many a gym workout. Also, if youre a guy who has never done a proper workout in your life, yoga is a great place to start.

MYTH 3: YOURE NOT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH

Well, thats the reason to do yoga, not to avoid it.

MYTH 4: YOU CANT DO IT!

Maybe youre worried about embarrassing yourself in front of others. Its time to let that go. Yoga is not about judgement. No one cares if you cant wrap yourself up in Dragonfly Pose. With time and perseverance you will do it or not because at the end of the day it doesnt really matter, just as long as youre doing the practice.

MYTH 5: YOGA IS A RELIGION

While historically associated with Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, yoga is not a religion. You can belong to any faith, or not (yes, atheists, were speaking to you) and still reap the benefits of devotion to your practice.

MYTH 6: YOU HAVE TO BE VEGAN TO DO YOGA

No, you dont. Although the yogic belief system certainly encourages a non-harming lifestyle, which includes not eating any animals, there are no hard and fast rules. You can eat what you like and still practise yoga.

MYTH 7: YOGA TAKES UP TOO MUCH TIME

One of the great things about yoga is that it takes up as much time as it takes up space. All you need is a yoga mat and the discipline to do it. And remember, 30 minutes of scrolling on social media could be 30 minutes on the mat. Now thats real connection.