Sometimes yoga and meditation can feel a bit too spiritual, perhaps even too out-there for people who may not have tried it before or are used to their usual weight-lifting workout at the gym (aka virtual workouts). If you’re feeling intimidated by the yoga routines you’re seeing online and on social media, we have an approachable set of stretches that are perfect for you and will fit in with your HIIT, cycling, running or weight-lifting routine. Many men suffer from aches and pains and these often deter them from working out. The solution for sore or stiff muscles can be found in a few favourite yoga exercises and stretching poses that are sure to help calm and rejuvenate while also challenging your body.
We have a Men’s Clothing Collection that can help you stay comfortable in any kind of movement, but it’s always great to get advise from other men who are in need of a good stretch.
That’s why we asked the men of Yogamatters to share their top yoga positions that are perfect before or after they break a sweat, between Zoom calls, or simply to unwind after a long day at their work desks. Here are their top tips for stretching and strengthening tired, achy muscles: easy-to-follow yoga positions you can practice almost anywhere.
Thomas, Yogamatters Designer & Production Manager
“What I wear when I work out is linked to how soft and comfortable the clothes feel: I like layering when running and I need to have natural fibre such as cotton against my skin: everything needs to be absorbent and breathable,” Thomas says. He helped with the design process of the Yogamatters Men’s Clothing Collection and finds downtime for yoga between his daily tasks. “My favourite yoga pose is child’s pose: it really helps stretch my knees and relax after running. Great workout gear helps me regulate my body temperature, and offers a great balance between soft compression and freedom of movement.”
Ivan, Yogamatters Purchasing Manager
“Sometimes being mindful for me means taking a moment and placing my hands on a table or my kitchen sink,” Ivan says. “But when I do have more time, I usually try variations of different yoga poses – many that lots of people practice – like Downward dog or a variation but often I find that a standing forward stretch to work the hamstrings or Pigeon Pose.
Ken, Yogamatters Finance Consultant
“I have tight hamstrings and Downward Dog is a pose that helps stretch these muscles,” Ken says. “I find Pigeon Pose helps to ease my lower back stiffness by stretching my piriformis and groin muscles. These stretches take just a few minutes but work wonders for me. Doing a headstand also helps concentrate my mind and body – it also helps calm random thoughts. I often use it as a form of meditation.”
Krisztian, Yogamatters Customer Service Adviser
“What I really like to do is stand on the edge of the bottom of the stairs and with straight legs with a slight bend if needed, I bend over and touch my toes. Sometimes, if my muscles are feeling extra flexible, I go further than my toes,” Krisztian says. “When I’m not balancing and stretching, I find that simple long walks in the park with my dogs helps me stay calm and clears my head.”
Keir, Yogamatters Operations Manager
“My favourite pose to do after a run or workout – or even when I’m in between calls – is frog pose and extended triangle are my favourite,” Keir says. “I always try to do a forward fold whether I’m warming up or cooling down.”
Andy, Yogamatters Head of IT
“I have just started cycling again and all I can say is, ouch: sore legs, sore back and achy wrists. As every canny cyclist knows, there are a few perfect yoga asanas to make feel easier,” Andy says. “The mindful breathing and moving that I do between cat and cow followed by an extended child pose is bliss for me. Another pose that helps my tight hips loosen is pigeon – it hits the spot.”
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Working out is easier when you have the right gear. Find the perfect T-shirt, the right pair of shorts – discover the Yogamatters Men’s Clothing Collection for your movement essentials.
