Michele Riechman- Online Personal Trainer & Health Coach

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Yoga for Men {3 Yoga Poses to Build Strength}

Yoga for men is a great way to build strength! Most people think yoga is just focused on flexibility, meditation, and deep breathing. But yoga can be a great way to build strength for men and women.

How cool is it that you can use your own body weight to build strength and to get really strong?

Men’s Yoga Workout

Men's yoga workouts can be a great way to improve flexibility, build strength, and enhance overall wellness, all from the comfort of home. With no need to go to the gym or yoga studio, you can create a dedicated space in your living room or any quiet corner and start reaping the benefits.

A typical men's yoga workout may include a series of poses that target specific muscle groups, such as downward dog to stretch the hamstrings and shoulders, warrior poses to engage the legs and core, and twists to improve spinal mobility.

By following instructional videos or online classes, men can customize their yoga practice to their own preferences and fitness levels, fostering both physical and mental well-being. So, roll out your mat, set aside some time, and embark on the journey of men's yoga right from the comfort of your own home.

In this video, I show you how you can do three different yoga poses to build strength in your body. As the creator of the Beginner Yoga for Men Program, I teach men how to build strength just like in this video.

Men’s Yoga


Men's yoga is a powerful practice that offers numerous benefits for building strength, both physically and mentally. Contrary to common misconceptions, yoga is not solely about flexibility but also encompasses strength training. Men's yoga incorporates poses and movements that target various muscle groups, allowing individuals to develop functional strength, improve muscular endurance, and enhance overall physical performance. By engaging in yoga, men can develop a strong and balanced physique, supporting their fitness goals and overall well-being.

Unlike traditional strength training methods that often focus solely on isolated muscle groups, men's yoga emphasizes the integration of the entire body. Yoga poses such as the plank, warrior poses, and arm balances require engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the core, arms, legs, and back. These poses challenge and build functional strength, enhancing stability, balance, and muscular coordination. Through consistent practice, men can witness an increase in strength, enabling them to perform everyday activities with greater ease and reducing the risk of injuries. Moreover, the mind-body connection cultivated in yoga promotes mental strength, resilience, and focus, providing men with a holistic approach to building strength both inside and out.

How to build strength with yoga for men

In yoga, you can work your muscles in lots of different ways. For example, you can hold poses for a longer time or you can repeatedly come in and out of poses. Both work your muscles just a little differently and are great for an overall strength program.

If you are looking for a complete yoga program to follow and you are a guy, a newbie to yoga, or are inflexible then I encourage you to check out my 6-week program. You will start to build strength by learning the foundations of yoga and progressing each week.

As you stay consistent, you will start to increase your flexibility and you will start moving better.And when you combine proper strengthening with stretching while learning how to move your body, you will start to allow the chance for injuries to heal and prevent new ones.

Yoga for Men Beginners

Yoga is a fantastic practice for men who are beginners and looking to enhance their overall fitness. It offers a unique approach that incorporates strength, flexibility, and balance, all while providing a great workout. For men who might be tight or less flexible, learning the correct techniques and modifications is crucial to avoid overexertion or injury.

By starting slowly and focusing on proper alignment, individuals can gradually increase their flexibility and range of motion. Through regular practice, yoga helps to loosen tight muscles and improve overall flexibility, which in turn contributes to better balance and stability. Moreover, integrating strength-building poses into the practice helps to improve muscle tone and increase overall body strength. Whether it's building core stability, improving posture, or adding variety to a workout routine, yoga for men is a transformative experience that leads to enhanced physical fitness and mental well-being.

(Pose #1) Yoga for Men: Chair Pose

Chair pose, also known as Utkatasana in yoga, is an excellent posture to strengthen and tone various muscle groups in the body. To perform chair pose, start by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart.

As you inhale, raise your arms straight above your head, parallel to each other. Upon exhaling, bend your knees and lower your hips as if you're sitting back into an imaginary chair. Keep your chest lifted and spine straight, engaging your core muscles.

Chair pose primarily targets the quadriceps and glutes, building strength and endurance in these muscles. Additionally, it engages the hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors for improved lower body stability. This pose also activates the core muscles, including the transverse abdominis and erector spinae, enhancing overall body balance and posture. By practicing chair pose regularly, one can develop greater leg strength, stability, and flexibility.

(Pose #2) Yoga for Men: Cresent

To perform the Crescent Pose in yoga, start by stepping your left foot forward and bending the left knee at a 90-degree angle. Extend your right leg back, keeping it straight and firmly grounded. If you find that your hips are tight, consider bending your back knee slightly to ease any strain.

This modification helps to alleviate pressure from the low back, allowing you to focus on the stretch in your hip flexors and quadriceps instead. As you hold this pose, engage your core and lift your chest, maintaining an upright posture. To deepen the stretch, you can reach your arms overhead and interlace your fingers, stretching them towards the sky. Remember to find a comfortable balance between the challenge of the pose and listening to your body's limitations.

(Pose #3) Yoga for Men: Yoga Pushup

To perform a yoga pushup, start by getting into a plank position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your legs extended behind you. Now, you have two options: you can either keep your knees on the ground or lift them to balance on your toes. Choose the option that suits your current fitness level and comfort.

As you lower your body towards the ground, make sure to keep your elbows close to your ribcage, engaging your core muscles for stability. While exhaling, push your body back up to the starting position, keeping your spine aligned. Remember, breathing is vital throughout the movement. Inhale deeply as you lower yourself down and exhale slowly as you lift yourself back up. This mindful breathwork enhances the mind-body connection, allowing you to fully experience the benefits of the yoga pushup.