Yoga is Not Just for Girls in Leggings (And It Never Was!)

"Hold up, wait a minute... Yoga's just for women?" You might've heard that one before, but it's time to set the record straight!  It's a bit of a head-scratcher - yoga was originally a guys-only club, way back in ancient India.  Fast forward a few thousand years, and somehow it's become the go-to workout for ladies in leggings.  

So, where did this whole yoga mix-up start? It's a bit of a puzzle, but the feelings it stirred up are definitely real. We might say we're all about equality, but let's be honest, we still tend to slap a "boy" or "girl" label on almost everything, even the most everyday stuff. And sometimes, those labels do a complete 180! Remember when pink was the ultimate tough-guy color? Or when coding was a girl's game? It's funny how things change.

Then there's yoga: a mix of athleticism and spirituality, born among Indian men way back in the 10th century, and brought to the West by male gurus in the Roaring Twenties. In the 1950s, yoga's physical side was mainly taught to female celebrities; Indra Davis among others. Can you imagine the average Joe back then learning fitness from a woman? Not a chance!

Indra Devi, the first Lady of Yoga in the West

But oh boy, have things changed! Those gurus are long gone (some even got the boot thanks to #MeToo), and the whole yoga scene has been completely taken over by the same "wellness" world that brought us Soul Cycle, Goop detoxes, and endless barre classes.

Yoga has become so tied to women in our minds that now we need special "yoga for men" classes to even things out! In the 60s and 70s, and yoga got tangled up with the hippie movement - incense, chanting, the whole shebang. Again, not exactly screaming "masculinity." It's no wonder yoga got labeled as a "feminine" thing.

Sri T. Krichnamacharya teaching at Mysore palace in the 1920s.

Yoga's path through the gender landscape has been anything but straightforward. It's been a winding journey through decades of shifting stereotypes, fitness fads, and evolving ideas of what the "ideal" body looks like for both men and women. Think 80s aerobics queens, the rise of "heroin chic" in the 90s, and the current obsession with the "strong is the new skinny" mantra – they've all left their mark on how we view fitness and who it's "for." And of course, let's not forget the influence of action movie stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, whose bulging biceps and rock-hard abs set a whole new standard for male physique goals.

Flashback Friday: What Fitness used to be like in 1970s | by Tony Yeung | Toronto Fitness | Medium

On the other hand, those male celebs who do publicly embrace yoga often aren't exactly the epitome of rugged masculinity. Take Sting, for example - known for his yoga devotion, but definitely not the first guy you'd picture bench-pressing a truck. And let's not forget Russell Brand, whose yoga practice is as well-known as his... unconventional personality. Meanwhile, guys like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, with his intense workout routines and action-hero image, still seem to view yoga as more of a punchline than a serious fitness pursuit.

Yet, the same things that make yoga a turn-off for some guys are exactly what make it a natural fit for many women. We're still chasing that long, lean look, and yoga's promise of "sculpting" and "toning" without bulking up is pretty appealing. Plus, let's face it, women are generally more flexible, so those twists and bends come a bit easier. And the whole barefoot, spa-like vibe? Definitely more our scene.

Yoga as percieved in the 60s and 70s

It's no wonder then that countless brands have popped up catering to the yoga-loving, athleisure-wearing woman – Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and Alo Yoga. This just reinforces the idea that yoga is a "girl thing." And let's be honest, those poses often do look their best on a feminine physique – especially one that rocks a pair of leggings.

So, there you have it. A spiritual practice created for young Asian men has somehow morphed into a modern-day celebration of Western female beauty. It's a strange twist of fate!

Okay, guys, we get it. Walking into a yoga class full of bendy women can be a bit intimidating. The funny thing is, that all this "yoga is for girls" stuff doesn't match up with the physical practice itself. The classic Ashtanga poses I teach (and keep learning) – many unchanged for centuries – were originally designed with men in mind. Here's the thing: most women aren't that flexible to begin with! Our bodies are built differently, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Women, with our wider hips and lower center of gravity, often need to tweak things a bit. ("Step that back foot out wider!" is a common refrain in many classes.) Guys might feel a bit awkward about yoga's "girly" image, but at its core, it's still a practice made for them.

But here's where things get interesting: just as yoga has become synonymous with a certain brand of Western womanhood, it has also become a hotbed of controversy. You'll find passionate debates online and offline about whether Westerners are guilty of cultural appropriation, turning an ancient spiritual practice into a trendy fitness fad. Are those pricey yoga pants disrespectful? Is the whole yoga scene just another exclusive club for the privileged? It seems like any activity that attracts a bunch of well-off white women is bound to be under scrutiny these days. It's a complex issue, with no easy answers.

Sure, yoga's about that whole spiritual and calming side, but if you're after the physical benefits, it can seriously amp up your strength not only your flexibility.

Think about it: holding those poses for longer than your usual gym workout puts your muscles under serious tension, boosting your endurance. Plus, all that stretching means you'll be able to move better and lift heavier (if that's your jam). Yoga even helps create space in your muscles for growth, so you can bulk up if you want to.

Bottom line? Regular yoga practice WILL make you stronger. Don't let the stereotypes fool you!

Remember, every yogi starts somewhere! It's about building mental strength, focusing on your own practice, and accepting where you're at. Yoga isn't only about flexibility or strength; it's a journey of self-discovery, both physically and mentally. And hey, who knows? Maybe that spiritual side will even start to resonate with you.

Finding balance is key in life. We all have both feminine and masculine qualities within us, so let's embrace them, regardless of our gender. Guys, yoga was created by men, who were once the only ones considered worthy of the practice. And ladies, let's thank pioneers like Indra Devi who paved the way for us.

So, let's break down these self-imposed barriers. Yoga is for everyone – all genders, all sizes, all abilities. Let's make it an inclusive practice that celebrates our shared humanity.