Tough guys do yoga: new trend tradies are doing on construction sites

Stressed and fatigued tradies are tapping into a new trend which other men should follow, says celebrity trainer Sam Wood. See why.

I recently saw a news story about an Aussie tradie in Byron Bay teaching his construction mates how to do yoga during breaks on the worksite. He says they use it to combat stress and fatigue on the job.

More men would benefit from the ancient ritual as part of their weekly workouts, and having workplace initiatives like these on site with tradies is helping shift the stigma that has been attached to yoga. Many guys (not all) believed it was more suited for females.

The industry, perhaps, embraced that stigma and created an environment that was more appealing to females. But the tide has turned for the better and the winners of this turning tide are men as they are now doing yoga or some form of stretching and mobility work consistently.

Construction workers doing yoga during a work break.

Here are my top 10 reasons why all men should think about doing yoga.

1. IT’S ONE OF THE THREE KEYS OF MOVEMENT

We need to do cardio for our heart, strength for our bones and muscles, and flexibility for our joints. Too many of us neglect the third one.

We are good with cardio and strength but skip the mobility. I am not suggesting yoga isn’t beneficial from a strength perspective as well, but it is brilliant for mobility and flexibility, which is one of those key three pillars and therefore men are waking up to what women have known for ages.

2. IT COMPLEMENTS OUR OTHER TRAINING

Whether we are pounding the pavement running, on the bike riding, or smashing the gym, it balances and stretches us out, and it is the perfect complement when we are getting into our wellness and fitness routines.

3. GOOD FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH

Movement and practice go hand-in-hand, and more men from all walks of life are realising how great yoga can be from a mental health perspective.

4. STANDING UP TO THE GRIND OF LIFE

As we mature and society evolves, we are all striving for a better quality work-life balance and have realised a practice such as yoga can help us combat the load and grind of life.

5. BRILLIANT FOR BACK PAIN

A lot of men I have worked with often have poor posture and lots of back pain. Incorporating yoga practice into your routine will help combat this.

Yoga has helped tennis champion Novak Djokovic improve his mobility.

6. OUR SPORTING HEROES DO IT

Tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic reap the benefits of this practice and I think that is helping open our eyes – even to the blokiest blokes – to just how powerful it can be. That, in turn, is helping remove any negative connotations.

7. IT’S MORE APPEALING TO MEN

We are seeing more men’s yoga classes open up compared with 15 years ago, when you’d be the only male in the class.

8. YOU CAN DO YOGA ANYWHERE

I used to get embarrassed going to a yoga class and feeling like I was the only one that couldn’t do it. I now get the help I need and, thanks to the education from practitioners and the reception you get from these wonderful yoga places, you feel supported. I think the fact you can also do it at home is beneficial, and men like that too.

9. RESULTS REINFORCE YOU TO DO IT

Yoga works and, if something works, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll notice the benefits after implementing this into your weekly routine.

Sam Wood hits the yoga mat outdoors.

10. WHEN SOMETHING WORKS WE TELL OUR FRIENDS

Men are enjoying the plethora of benefits yoga offers and they’re telling their friends and workmates about it.

Whether it’s in the office, down the pub or wherever it is – telling your mates why you’re feeling great and what you’ve changed in your workout routine, and how that’s benefiting you, is only going to increase word of mouth and help male yoga explode.

So guys, don’t be left behind … jump on the yoga bandwagon now.

* Sam Wood is a celebrity trainer. If you want to kickstart your yoga and wellness journey at home, visit 28bysamwood.com to join.

Originally published as Tough guys do yoga: new trend tradies are doing on construction sites