Which would you choose a man's guide to yoga
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One of the most confusing aspects of yoga for the beginner is the range of different types available. The upside is that there is a type for every age and level of fitness.
- Iyengar yoga is a school founded by BKS Iyengar, now in his 90s and still practising. It emphasises strength, posture and alignment. Props, such as bolsters and blocks, are used to help students move into difficult poses.
The new Iyengar Yoga Centre in Phibsboro Dublin (www.iyengaryogacentre.ie) has a range of classes for complete beginners to more advanced students. Men are welcome at any class. For those who would prefer a male-only class, Dublin-born Pavara teaches one on a Monday night.
Greg Walshe also teaches Iyengar yoga at Samadhi in Temple Bar Dublin (www.samadhi.ie)
- Ashtanga yoga is a very dynamic form of yoga, often taught in gyms and popular with men. Because it is fast-moving, it requires a basic level of fitness and probably not suitable for people who don't exercise regularly.
Most ashtanga classes are mixed. Check out www.yoga-ireland.com for a list of ashtanga yoga teachers throughout the country.
- Hatha yoga is the term used for a style of yoga that is slow moving and gentle, with an emphasis on relaxation. Classes are often mixed but there are dedicated men's classes run throughout the country.
This is a good place to start for those who feel particularly stiff. For example Sunrise Yoga (www.sunrise.ie) in Dun Laoghaire run men's classes for those who would describe themselves as inflexible.
Check out Yoga Therapy Ireland (www.yogatherapyireland.com) for a list of other suitable teachers countrywide.
- Some centres, such as David Cunningham's Yoga Shala in Galway (www.theyogashala.net), teach a mix of styles. The Yoga Shala caters for complete beginners as well as more advanced students.
Before starting a yoga class, feel free to talk to the teacher first and describe your level of fitness and your aims for the class. Many schools will allow you one free class and this can be a useful way of finding out if the style of yoga and the teacher are suitable for you.
Irish Independent
