- By Mike Patton, Founder of Yoga Vida

Despite the overwhelming number of yoga-pant-wearing women you see everywhere, yoga isn't just for women. More and more men are adopting the practice and for good reason....in fact, there are even men-only "Broga" classes popping up across the country.  Mike Patton, who just a few years ago traded in his Bloomberg terminal for a yoga mat and opened Yoga Vida, one of the top yoga studios in New York City, shares 5 reasons guys should do yoga. 

1. These guys do it.  Lebron James, Ray Lewis, Kevin Garnett, New Zealand All Blacks (check out this video!), Superbowl Champions Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Padres, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Barry Zito, Victor Cruz, Shaquille O'Neal and so many others...You still too tough?
    
2. Build strength. Don't be fooled, yoga aint easy. A vigorous vinyasa class will kick your a$s.
    
3. Increase flexibility, lengthen muscles and grease joints. By increasing flexibility, yoga not only prevents injury but it can also promote recovery from high-intensity training.
    
4. Reduce stress & calm your mind. Rough day at work? Your favorite team just lost again? Blow off some steam and calm your nerves with some yoga...your blood pressure (and everyone around you) will thank you. 
    
5. Great odds.  More than 75% are women...need we say more?

Michael Patton; Owner, Yoga Vida
Photo Credit: NY Post

About Yoga Vida

Named “Best Yoga 2012″ by New York Magazine and one of NYC's "Most Beautiful Yoga Studios" by Well + Good, Yoga Vida offers a welcoming and inviting environment that keeps yoga accessible and fun for all to explore.  Founded by Mike Patton, Yoga Vida has two locations in Manhattan - one in Greenwich Village and one in NoHo - and offers a wide variety of Yoga Classes, Workshops, Yoga Retreats, and Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher Training Programs to nourish and service all of your yoga needs.