Yoga for men in Colombo

The reason most Sri Lankan men have not tried it

It can look like something other people do. The room is often mostly women, and the first picture that comes to mind might be somebody in a handstand. That is a marketing problem, not a yoga problem.

None of that reflects what an ordinary class is like.

What men who come here actually turn up for

Backs. Years of sitting, driving and lifting. This is the most common reason.

Hips and shoulders. Especially if you lift, run or play cricket. Mobility work sits well alongside training.

Balance and stability. Most people find out about single leg stability the hard way. This is the class that fixes that.

An off switch. Rarely the reason given at the start, and often the reason people keep coming.

Where to start

If you already train and want a workout, try Strengthening Yoga. It is not the place to start in your first week.

For a steadier first class, try Hatha yoga, gentle yoga, or Flex and Flow.

If you would rather not move, try a sound bath.

On being the only man in the room

Sometimes you will be. Nobody will look at you twice, because everyone is busy with their own hamstrings.

If it helps, bring a friend. It makes the first one easier, and the two of you can be new at it together.

You will be bad at it at first

Most people are, men especially at anything involving hips or hamstrings. Strength does not turn into flexibility on its own, and years of gym work can make the first class feel harder.

That evens out faster than you would expect.