New yoga classes in Vernon target 'dad bods'
Yoga not just 'a girl thing to do', says teacher with new male-only classes
Dad bod got you down? Try a downward dog pose.
A yoga instructor in Vernon is trying to attract more men to participate in classes specifically designed for stiff guys.
Tanya Snow, a registered yoga teacher at Vernon Active Health, is offering a six-week course to men only.
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Snow told Radio West host Audrey McKinnon she hopes a male-only class will encourage men, who may be apprehensive about yoga, to discover its benefits.
Breaking stereotypes
Snow explained she wanted to provide a safe space for men, where they won't feel judged. She believes stereotypes play a part in preventing men from participating.
"There is a little bit of a cliche that [yoga] is a girl thing to do," said Snow.
The 'dad bod' classes began in mid-September, and according to Snow the feedback has been great.
"Guys I didn't think would show interest have come and enjoyed it," said Snow, adding that even an older generation of men have inquired about attending.
The target demographic is men who used to be fit and "kind of let it slide a little bit."
Not as easy as it looks
Snow said her classes correspond well with winter sports, such as skiing and sledding. A lot of interested participants are winter sports fans hoping to improve their fitness.
The lessons work the full body, and challenge men to support their body weight and improve their balance.
It eases participants into the practice, but that doesn't mean it's easy.
"It was harder than they thought it would be," said Snow.
With files from Radio West
To hear the complete interview with Tanya Snow, click on the audio labelled Vernon yoga teacher offers 'Dad bod' yoga.