When yoga instructor Shoshana Treichel opened Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy in Mobile, yoga obviously appealed to women, but she knew men needed yoga too. Coming from a competitive bodybuilding background, Treichel knew that had she incorporated yoga earlier in her training regime, she could have recovered faster and avoided surgeries.

Many men workout, but they too frequently perform the same types of movements. “A day will come when you can’t remember the last time you were not in pain,” says Treichel. “Yoga makes those ailments better.” In fact, Kai Green and Jay Cutler, two of the top male bodybuilders both credited yoga with their improved flexibility and ability to train more efficiently and avoid injury.

Today, there are many types of yoga classes, but a lot of men are unsure about what happens in that room. “Is it just stretching and meditation? Will they sprout a man bun and go all ‘new agey’?” jokes Treichel.

The truth is that Above and Beyond’s classes now commonly host men. They are all ages and abilities, some looking for more range of motion and others looking for increased athletic ability. From dads with desk jobs to local NFL players, men come to yoga because they often have tight muscle groups, most frequently the hamstrings, glutes and shoulders. Yoga can help increase flexibility, which improves daily performance. Yoga also improves breathing. In a yoga class, the breathing slows down rather than speeds up. This expands lung capacity allowing for a greater amount of oxygen.

“Yoga also helps you improve your posture and balance. As we age, these become more of a challenge. The balance we find on our mats translates into our lives,” notes Treichel. “Other benefits include more efficient breathing, which reduces blood pressure and lowers the stress response. People who practice yoga also have reduced problems with sciatica, rotator-cuff issues, carpal tunnel and other ailments.”

Yoga is a wonderful way to help everyone live a longer and more active life. Yoga classes are nonjudgmental and can be modified for all abilities. “Don’t fear it. Give it a serious try. You won’t be disappointed and it could be one of the best decisions you will ever make,” says Treichel.