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Real Men Do Yoga: Why Men are Making Time for the Mat

Gone are the days of yoga reserved solely for sun-saluting women. Men across the country are cashing in on the benefits of yoga that range from fitness and family time to injury prevention. If that wasn’t enough, yoga can also improve your golf game.

Recently, private clubs have been adjusting fitness programs in order to incorporate yoga, and specifically, yoga for men. Why? The answer is simple: demand. Men across the country understand the benefits of yoga and are eager to practice. For example, in response to requests from its members, the Midland Country Club launched “Zen for Men,” a weekly class offering attended primarily by men 40 and older. These men seek to give their athletic injuries some tender loving care and improve their golf game through fitness.

Private clubs would be wise to capitalize on this trend before club members turn elsewhere to take classes. With all of the benefits of yoga outlined below, how could they not?

Top Five Reasons To Try Yoga

1. YOGA & YOUR HEALTH

According to an article recently published in the Daily News, the benefits to your body include lowering the risk of heart disease, alleviating stress, anxiety and difficulty sleeping and finally, healing connective tissue injuries. Yoga can even prevent future injuries that could keep you off the course. Those with busy lives can find solace in yoga because practicing can lead to improved concentration, emotional wellbeing and overall state of mind, according to Physician Kim Zielke of Wellspring Naturopathic Medicine.

2. CUSTOMIZATION

Yoga has been around for thousands of years and comes in hundreds of varieties. In NCA’s 2012 Trends & Issues: A Private Club Perspective, we reported that customization is becoming a top priority of club members across America. Yoga answers the call for customization because it is uniquely tailored to individual needs. From gentle relaxation to a challenging calorie-blasting bonanza, yoga comes in all shapes and sizes, much like those who practice it. Offering a variety of classes and allowing club members to find their match will set fitness programs apart.

3. TAKE IT ON THE ROAD

So many of us are constantly on the road but aim to stay active at the same time. A survey conducted by Best Western earlier this year showed that 35 percent of business travelers reported feeling guilty about eating unhealthy food or not getting enough exercise while traveling. According to a USA Today article, hotels are upping their efforts to meet the demands of fitness-focused travelers. The percentage of hotel properties that offer fitness facilities has increased from 63 percent in 2004 to 84 percent today.

However, even if the property doesn’t have a fitness center or is undergoing renovations, a workout can be done in the room if armed with basic knowledge about yoga. Recognizing this need, major hotels like Sheraton are offering room service of a different kind. Guests can request “workout-in-a-bag” kits that include a yoga mat, maximizing a guest’s ability to practice comfortably in their room. Other hotels like 45 Park Lane in London offer in-room video exercise programs featuring training techniques for beginners and pros alike.

4. COMBINE FAMILY TIME WITH FITNESS

By creating an environment in which men feel comfortable unfurling yoga mats and striking poses, clubs have the ability to provide a new way for families to come together. Also according to NCA’s annual trends report, the next generation of club members are both fitness-focused and family-focused. Yoga is the perfect activity to do together and adds variety to the family routine.

5. GIVE MEN A YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITY

According to McMahon’s Club Trends, an emerging industry trend is the need to provide programs that give members a year-round experience. When the first frost hits and the last round of golf has been played, men (and women) no longer have to go into hibernation. Yoga classes are a reason to visit throughout the winter and can ensure that clubhouses stay abuzz with activity. Like golf, yoga is a community-driven activity and will help build meaningful relationships among club members.

Laura Hayes is NCA’s communications manager.

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