Often considered the domain of svelte, bendy women, men have been somewhat slow to embrace yoga despite its enormous boost in popularity over the past five to 10 years.
Despite yoga being a common practice for both men and women on the Indian subcontinent, where it originated, many men in the rest of the world have been quick to dismiss it as too easy or not “manly” enough. But that is starting to change.
This weekend, Urban Yoga brings the Boys of Yoga to Dubai to help dispel the myth that yoga is just for women. The classes, from May 4 to 6, are open to men and women of all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis.
The Boys of Yoga project was created in 2015 by London-based yogi Michael James Wong, from Los Angeles, to “smash the stereotypes and misconceptions of guys who yoga”. There are now men from around the world involved in the movement, spreading the word that yoga is for everyone and preaching the benefits of a regular yoga practice.
The itinerary for this weekend includes a yoga jam session on Thursday from 7pm to 9pm; “dogs and frogs” power vinyasa and yin to yang workshop from 11am to 1.30pm on Friday; inversions and arm balances workshop from 2.30pm to 5pm on Friday; and a yin/restorative masterclass on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm.
Participants can sign up for the full weekend for Dh1,150 or individual sessions for Dh315.
For more information and bookings, visit www.urbanyoga.ae and to learn more about Boys of Yoga, visit www.boysofyoga.com.
