Bro-ga – A New Class Arrives in Surrey
Bro-ga is a yoga class specifically designed for stiff, aching men who need the benefits of yoga but are perhaps put off by the false stereotypes and stigma of a traditional yoga class.
Back in 2018 I joined a What’s App group of guys who took it in turns to host a yoga class. The instructor helped us inflexible lot to enjoy the benefits of yoga whilst not feeling out of our depth with the poses or embarrassed that we just couldn’t manage many of them.
Around the same I turn started a group called Fitter Men, a daily early morning exercise class for busy city workers who really struggled to find time to exercise.
I noticed in both classes that the guys benefited not just from the physical side of the class but also the interaction and socialising after the class and this was a big part of the reason the men enjoyed the classes so much.
More recently we had the pandemic, which left us reliant on socialising and exercising via a screen. This in turn has led to a rise in mental health issues including depression, anxiety and loneliness. When I was able to take classes in person once more, I noticed just how much everyone appreciated the in-person interaction and connection once more and it’s my belief that you can’t replicate the experience and health benefits of actually being in others’ company.
Last year I pitched my Fitness Tent, a training studio with breath-taking views over the countryside. The perfect environment to exercise, socialise and feel better. And that’s when I decided I needed to run a yoga class just for men, to create a moment in their week to unwind, be mindful, relax, work on flexibility and core strength and have a laugh and chat too.
Bro-ga has been a huge success at helping guys to touch their toes and feel stronger and supple. It gets them out of the house to socialise with guys who are at the same place in life. Conversation is helped along a little by a cool box of cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers to quench thirst.
I have now been to a number of 5-week courses and they are really enjoyable. I didn’t realise how much yoga was going to improve my core and balance. Great teachers with the bonus of a beer at the end of each session
I love the Bro-ga classes, it’s the right level, right mix of people and a great teacher too
I wasn’t sure at first, but my wife persuaded me. After seeing her leave the house with her yoga mat under her arm for years now, I wondered what the appeal was. I get it now. You feel amazing afterwards. All I’d say is give it a try….so glad I did
Together with my team of experienced yoga teachers, we run classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at The Fitness Tent in Chiddingfold and Clock Barn Studio in Hydestile and we are looking to expand Bro-ga to other areas in Surrey and Hants this year.
If you’d like to find out more about Bro-ga head to www.bro-ga.com.
Matt Jordan – the Energy Coach