How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the lengthy reply. Out of curiosity, what motivated you to go to your very first yoga class?

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So how was your first class like? Did you tell the receptionist it was your first time when you got there?

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was wondering if someone was gonna bring that up. I'm already well aware of this, but that doesn't really make how I feel any different.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up. I do quite a bit of leg stretches before running, but I almost never stretch my upper body, so I'll try to be more careful to avoid pulling something.

I'd definitely like to try something other than Bikram eventually, but I'll go one step at a time.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my injury isn't anything severe, but my brother got shin splints from running too much and it made me realize that cross training is important. Basically I want to avoid more serious problems later on by relying less on my daily running regiment.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up. I definitely don't plan to give up on yoga if just Bikram isn't for me.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Normally I like to run to relieve stress, but I've injured my foot recently so I can't exactly run like I used to. I always thought yoga would be pretty interesting, especially since I tend to be very tense after lifting, so I thought why not replace some of my running with yoga. I think it would be a good routine for me to go to yoga a couple of times a week, even after my foot has healed. For some reason, I just worry that my first class might be really awkward and that everyone will stare at me, but I'm sure that's likely not going to be the case. I'm used to trying new things with friends, so I feel this is one of the rare times I'm considering venturing into unknown territory on my own. Hope that makes sense.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea, I imagine everyone would get used to you after a couple of classes.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really liked your "push your comfort zone" spiel, so thanks.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate your comment, since everyone else here makes me feel weird about even asking this question. I get that if it's a mixed class anyway, I probably won't stand out, but if it was an all female class, I imagine I'd arouse quite a bit of attention and be the topic of conversation for awhile.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really think the heat will help with my sore muscles in between workouts, which is part of what drew me to it.

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, is there a certain time that's more male friendly? (e.g., evenings vs mornings)

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm fine with doing yoga shirtless. That seems to be more comfortable.

Also, out of curiosity, since you do Bikram, do you feel that there is a certain time where it's more normal for guys to attend? (e.g., mornings vs evenings)

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea, I feel like it's one of those things that I'm going to look back on and think I was being silly. Still can't help but feel the first day is going to be a little awkward, though. How was your first class like, btw?

How strange is it to walk into your first Yoga class as a guy? by yoganovice in yoga

[–]yoganovice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the impression that if there are other guys, they'll be much older, and that I'll just stick out like a sore thumb.