In honor of Father's Day being in June, we decided it was high time we celebrate the men who join us on the mat. It is interesting that yoga, once a practice exclusively for men, is now — at least in the U.S. — dominated mainly by women and many men feel that yoga is not for them because…
~I’m not flexible enough ~It’s not challenging enough ~I know how to breathe ~I want to get stronger, etc.
While we know we can dispel these myths and/or prove them wrong, we felt it would be better to let our guys speak for themselves. And because we know that representation matters, we would like to represent some of the men who have stepped outside of their own comfort zones to try something new and found a home here at Blue Sky Yoga. Maybe, our guys will help convince the men in your life to check out a yoga class or two with you!
Wayne has graced us with his free spirit for more than a year now and quickly became a fixture. You may catch him with a tool or two in his hand to hang up decor or fix a door, but you’re not likely to catch him in shoes walking into the studio. The best thing is that he’s always always up for a challenge and brings a positive atmosphere when he’s in the room!
How did you discover Blue Sky Yoga?
I began taking some beginner classes at my local community center. When I asked the the teacher about a studio she recommended Blue Sky.
How long have you been doing yoga? What brought you to the practice?
I was having some health issues just before retiring, and I wanted to find something to keep physically active like Tai Chi or Yoga. I found some beginner yoga classes and have been practicing for about a year and a half.
If you were a yoga pose what would you be and why?
How do you say 'Creepy Old Man' in sanskrit? Nuff said.
What is your FAVORITE asana?
Has anyone ever heard me say " I HATE PIGEON POSE"? Well, you can forget that one. I can't really decide on a favorite. I do like challenging poses and enjoy chest/heart openers. From having shoulder and neck issues from working, I found many poses difficult until I learned to drop my shoulders down and back.
What are some changes that you have noticed in yourself as you've continued on your yoga journey (mind/body/spirit)?
I feel better than I did 20 years ago; I do things now I wouldn't have done then, and I am much more aware of my posture. If something is bothering me, I can always go into my yoga world and get back to feeling great.
What would you say to someone who is scared to try yoga or who doesn't think yoga is for them?
Give it a fair chance. Don't think about the poses. Just do what you can. There will always be some poses you body just won't like. Measure how you feel before and after each class, after 8 or 10 classes then decide.
Describe an interesting fact about yourself. The weirder the better (something other than yoga)
If you find anything interesting about me, we just discovered something weird about you.
When you are not on your mat, what other things do you do to occupy your time?
Pickup trucks, bbq, beer, bait, and bullets. Going fast, playin in the dirt, old time rock & roll and a bit of motown.
Anything else?
I hope this at least put a smile on your face!