Yoga for Men

No Pain, All Gain

As a practice for anyone at any age, yoga is an ideal activity for men to engage in for a lifetime. Yoga offers a challenging workout that can benefit every aspect of the individual, from body to mind to spirit. Yoga increases strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. Regular practice reduces stress, providing a sense of focus, peace and wellbeing throughout the body. These benefits increase heart health and protect the body against injury and age-related diseases. Whether you are looking to loosen your hamstrings or want to find more balance in your life, yoga is for you.

Below are a few testimonials from male students at Desert Song, all of whom have notice the positive effects their yoga practice has had in their lives as a firefighter, a runner, a lawyer and a business owner.

Dean Pedrotti - Phoenix Area Firefighter

"I have been coming to Desert Song since the day of their grand re-opening at 7th and Camelback, in 2001. I decided to stop by the celebration and won the grand prize! Is that prophetic, or what? I've been doing yoga ever since!

Over the years, I have progressed through several levels of yoga, from beginner to advanced. As a local firefighter, my yoga classes have benefited me in numerous ways. First, with chronic work-related back pain, yoga has increased my flexibility and reduced my risk of back re-injury. Second, I no longer feel the need to lift weights, as I benefit from the strengthening positions yoga provides. Finally, given the strenuous and taxing nature of work at a busy inner-city fire station, I find that the calming and restorative poses and the breathing exercises help reduce my stress level, lower my blood pressure and, hopefully, reduce my risk of heart attack!

Desert Song has an incredibly talented staff. Each instructor brings a unique style to their teaching, which gives the studio an enormous depth and breadth. One of the greatest strengths of Desert Song is their instructors' ability to "read" their students at a given moment in time and quickly adjust their teaching plan to meet the needs of the students. And, of course, I'll never forget the birthday pose that Meg Byerlein gave me (and the rest of class) the day I turned 50 - my favorite hip opening pose!

As I enter the latter half of life, with retirement approaching, I have developed a fondness and appreciation for the instructors and staff at Desert Song. I look forward to their continued success and to my continuing enthusiasm for yoga!"

Reynold Kraft - Civil Engineer, Psomas, Runner

"My favorite things about Desert Song are the people and quality of the instruction. Both the staff and the students are some of the best I've encountered in my years of practicing yoga. The teachers focus on the details of every pose and are always willing to try something new. Because I am a runner, I find it necessary to balance my active lifestyle with yoga to build strength and reduce injuries. Since participating in Desert Song's advanced classes, I have not suffered a single injury from running (or yoga) which has allowed me to run faster and more frequently. Additionally, practicing at Desert Song has allowed me to reduce stress in my life and given me a place to make new friends."

Jim O'Sullivan - Business Law Partner, Gammage & Burnham, PLC

"Desert Song is a great place to develop a yoga practice, but, like yoga, the studio offers so much more than exercise. I have been practicing at Desert Song since 2003, and the studio has become a great wellness resource in my life, whether for a yoga class, a massage, a private consultation or a workshop in an area of interest to me. A weeklong retreat I did with Mary Beth Markus was probably the most physically challenging experience of my life. But, to paraphrase the author Dave Marsh, it's the difference between moving and being moved. In addition to the physical benefits of developing my yoga practice at Desert Song, I have gained perspective that informs many aspects of my life.

My profession brings me into daily contact with entrepreneurs and the cultures they create in their businesses - both good and bad. I am continually pleased and grateful for the knowledge, commitment and good humor I encounter at Desert Song."

Scott Hanson - Owner, Food Concession Business

"What keeps me coming back to Desert Song is the atmosphere made special by the genuine caring, kindness and warmth of all of the teachers and staff. That, and how they make the classes enjoyable.

Some of the physical changes I've experienced since coming to Desert Song, include: a more positive body image; no more lower back pain; better core strength; balance and posture; and knowing how to stretch away the aches and pains at home. Spiritually, I am much more centered; I know how to relax by concentrating on my breathing; I believe in the good of the universe and how we are all connected; and I believe in miracles."