Yoga for Men Series Report
The recent Yoga for Men series at the Avalon Centre, Sligo Town, as part of the Sligo Leader SICAP programme was a resounding success. The program was designed with a specific focus on structural awareness and individual assessment, aiming to address key structural issues among participants. The approach included offering a variety of stretches tailored to the group’s needs, with a slightly different focus each week. The goal was to equip attendees with a personalized yoga practice for home use.
Initial Assessment and Key Findings: From week one, it became evident that the primary concern for most participants was achieving greater overall mobility. Structural assessments of pelvic tilt showed an even split between anterior and posterior tilts. Despite differing hip tilts, participants commonly reported tightness and restriction in both Downward Dog (forward tilting hip) and Child’s Pose (backward tilting hip). Additionally, an unusual pattern emerged: a high percentage of participants exhibited tightness in the right-hand lateral line, which influenced session planning.
Program Adjustments: Given these findings, the decision was made after week one to keep the practice routine universal, ensuring poses for a wide range of motion were included. A worksheet was provided to support participants’ home practice.
Breathwork Integration: After the second session, participant feedback highlighted the noticeable benefits from the breathwork component. Many observed improvements in sleep quality and duration for several nights following each session. Based on this feedback, the approach shifted to reduce pose variations and increase emphasis on breathwork education. This adjustment helped participants understand “why they are breathing while they are breathing.”
Continued Progress and Final Observations: Throughout the six-week series, the consistent structure allowed participants to become familiar with the movements, enabling deeper focus on breathwork. The combination of movement and breathwork proved integral to calming the nervous system, enhancing mindfulness, and reducing physical and mental stress. Participants noted that breathing felt easier and more effective after some initial movement, reinforcing the complementary nature of these practices.
Conclusion: Overall, the series demonstrated the importance of keeping the practice simple, accessible, and repetitive. This allowed participants to build familiarity with the movements, focus on their breath, and experience the full range of associated benefits. The positive feedback and progress observed affirm the value of integrating mindful movement and breathwork into regular practice for improved well-being.
I look forward to delivering more Yoga for Men in 2025, kicking off on January 22nd, Wednesdays at 8:30 PM at The Avalon Centre. See you on the mat!
