• Health
  • Science
  • U.S.
  • Technology
  • Business
  • World
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Sports

Building a Better World

News and information

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team

Women May be Practicing Yoga to Ward Off Mental Illness, Study Finds

April 25, 2017 By Stewart Lawrence

Women May be Practicing Yoga to Ward Off Mental Illness, Study Finds

Men and women may approach yoga with different goals -- and derive different benefits.

A shocking new study may have uncovered the real reason why so many American women appear to be flocking to yoga:   The practice offers them a huge potential antidote to chronic depression and low-self-esteem.

The study, conducted at Brown University in Rhode Island, compared the effects of a semester-long “mindfulness” practice on male and female practitioners.  The men involved received almost no positive emotional uplift from attending the university-based classes, based on Buddhist and Daoist meditation techniques, researchers found.

By contrast, the women reported that mindfulness classes lifted their low mood and allowed them to achieve greater compassion for themselves.  Overall, female participants reported three times the emotional benefits from the mindfulness practice as their male counterparts did.

The study sample included 41 male and 36 female students who volunteered to practice meditation and to receive lectures and read educational materials about the origins and benefits of mindfulness.  All told, the 77 students practiced about 71 hours of meditation in a 12-week long academic semester setting.

Willoughby Britton, who directed the research team, said it was the first study she knew of that focused on the contrasting benefits that men and women might derive from mindfulness practices.

Previous studies, including a quadrennial yoga industry report sponsored by the trade magazine Yoga Journal, have documented the disproportionate involvement of women in yoga, both as students and teachers.  Of the estimated 20 million people who have practiced yoga at least once in the past year, nearly three-quarters are women.  In addition, about 85% of the 50,000-plus registered yoga teachers nationwide are female.

Sponsors of these studies have never speculated on the reason there’s such a surprisingly strong female bias in yoga.

However, over the years, many yoga women have complained that men, because of their gender socialization,  tend to disparage yoga as a “lightweight” calisthenic routine and are averse to twisting their bodies in pretzel-like postures while focusing on deep breathing and meditation.

In fact, the new Brown study suggests that women may have developed an approach to yoga and mindfulness that corresponds to their own unique psychological and emotional deficits — ones that many college-age men may not actually share, at least not to the same degree.

And yoga classes may also function as female-bonding communities in which men may not feel fully accepted or welcomed by women – another factor discouraging their involvement.

Britton acknowledges that young women’s greater psychological vulnerabilities elevates the importance of mindfulness classes, which could even prevent the onset of mental illness and other debilitating conditions among women as they grow older.

“Emotional disorders like depression in early adulthood are linked to a litany of negative trajectories that further disadvantage women, such as poor academic performance, school drop-out, early pregnancy and substance abuse,” she said in a university news release. “The fact that a college course could teach women skills to better manage negative affect at this early age could have potentially far-reaching effects on women’s lives.”

Past studies have documented the powerful mood elevation effects of yoga and mindfulness.  For example, in a 2005 study in Germany, 24 women who described themselves as “emotionally distressed” took two 90-minute yoga classes a week for three months. Women in a control group maintained their normal activities and were asked not to begin an exercise or stress-reduction program during the study period.

Among the yoga group, depression scores improved by 50%, anxiety scores by 30%, and overall well-being scores by 65%.  In addition, complaints of headaches, back pain, and poor sleep quality also resolved much more often in the yoga group than in the control group.

Britton said she plans to conduct additional studies to learn more about the unique gender benefits of mindfulness classes.   Other studies now underway have begun detecting the same unmistakable “gender effect,” she added.

“Mindfulness is a little bit like a drug cocktail — there are a lot of ingredients and we’re not sure which ingredients are doing what,” Britton said. “But I think a strategy of isolating potential ‘active ingredients’ and using slightly more innovative designs to tailor to the needs of different populations is what’s called for.”

In fact, a growing number of male yoga students nationwide appear to have abandoned the female-dominated studio environment.  Some have turned to a hyrid practice known as “Broga” (a combination of “yoga” and “bro”), which features all-male classes with a greater emphasis on physical fitness, including amped up cardio sequences.

Yoga instructor Robert Sidoti, based in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, who first coined – and trademarked — the term, has trained hundreds of Broga instructors in at least 30 states, a growing number of them online.  The organization’s first-ever summer retreat will be held in Vermont in August 2017.

“We rarely go into poses that require deep forward bending, twisting and binding,” Sidoti told Reuters some time ago.   In addition, Broga participants typically avoid chanting, invoking Hindu deities, or using Sanskrit nomenclature to describe their poses.

Apparently, some women put off by mainstream yoga have also begun joining the growing Broga movement.  Last month, a Brooklyn yoga instructor Emma Galland, set up a Broga class at a nearby gym, drawing dozens of men, some of them already active in yoga.

Galland’s class incorporates four minutes of pushups, not something you’ll find in a typical yoga session.  And she’s even struck upon a novel incentive:   as part of the $25 price tag, her sweat-soaked students can enjoy a free beer.

Sharing

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Filed Under: Health, Science, U.S. Tagged With: broga, depression, mindfulness, self-esteem, women, yoga, yoga studies, yoga studios

Comments

  1. nipples says

    May 11, 2017 at 1:50 am

    I visited multiple sites however the audio quality for audio songs current at this website is actually wonderful.

    Reply
  2. Head Honcho Toy says

    May 15, 2017 at 5:30 am

    Excellent article. I absolutely love this website.
    Stick with it!

    Reply
  3. led shoes says

    May 21, 2017 at 10:24 am

    I’m also writing to make you know what a excellent experience my princess experienced reading through your webblog. She came to find many things, most notably how it is like to have an incredible helping mood to make most people without problems comprehend specific grueling things. You undoubtedly surpassed people’s expected results. Thank you for presenting the powerful, trustworthy, informative and in addition unique guidance on that topic to Julie.

    Reply
  4. yeezy shoes says

    May 22, 2017 at 1:58 am

    I simply wanted to send a small message to thank you for all of the marvelous ways you are posting at this site. My considerable internet investigation has at the end been paid with awesome suggestions to share with my company. I would say that many of us visitors actually are undeniably blessed to exist in a magnificent community with very many perfect individuals with very helpful secrets. I feel rather grateful to have discovered the weblog and look forward to many more fun times reading here. Thanks a lot again for everything.

    Reply
  5. pothole lawyer says

    May 22, 2017 at 10:29 am

    I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your content.
    The article has truly peaked my interest. I will bookmark your website and keep checking for new details
    about once per week. I opted in for your Feed
    too.

    Reply
  6. pest control san antonio says

    May 26, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Very soon this website will be famous among all blogging people, due to it’s pleasant articles or reviews

    Reply
  7. pest control san antonio says

    May 26, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    Hurrah! In the end I got a webpage from where I know how to actually obtain useful information concerning
    my study and knowledge.

    Reply
  8. light up shoes says

    May 30, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    I am commenting to make you understand what a remarkable experience my princess found going through your webblog. She came to find plenty of details, most notably what it is like to possess a great teaching mood to have many people with no trouble learn about specific problematic issues. You actually exceeded readers’ expected results. Thank you for displaying these good, trusted, edifying and unique thoughts on the topic to Emily.

    Reply
  9. XRumerTest says

    May 30, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    Hello. And Bye.

    Reply
  10. Lauryn Hill earrings says

    May 31, 2017 at 5:34 am

    My partner and I stumbled over here different web address and thought I
    should check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.

    Reply
  11. casca de copiat la bac says

    June 8, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.

    Reply
  12. casca de copiat la bac says

    June 8, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.

    I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things
    or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

    Reply
  13. casca de copiat la bac says

    June 9, 2017 at 12:23 am

    What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this website daily, this
    web site is truly good and the people are actually sharing pleasant thoughts.

    Reply
  14. proteina hidrolizata din zer says

    June 9, 2017 at 11:50 am

    This info is invaluable. Where can I find out more?

    Reply
  15. alkaline antioxidant water says

    June 9, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    At this time it sounds like Drupal is the preferred blogging
    platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    Reply
  16. alkaline antioxidant water says

    June 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS.
    I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anybody getting identical
    RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  17. lebron 13 shoes says

    June 10, 2017 at 10:21 am

    Needed to put you the very small observation to be able to thank you as before for those gorgeous concepts you have discussed here. It is quite strangely generous with people like you to convey publicly exactly what numerous people could possibly have advertised for an e book to make some profit for themselves, and in particular considering the fact that you could possibly have done it if you ever wanted. These thoughts as well acted to be a great way to realize that other individuals have a similar dream like mine to understand whole lot more in terms of this issue. I’m certain there are some more enjoyable moments in the future for those who take a look at your blog post.

    Reply
  18. "Stitches" Shawn Mendes Dance l Chakaboom Fitness says

    June 11, 2017 at 5:12 am

    hello there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from right
    here. I did however expertise some technical points using this site, as
    I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I
    could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will
    often affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score
    if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to
    my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon.

    Reply
  19. lacoste outlet says

    June 12, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I wish to point out my respect for your kindness supporting people that must have help on this important idea. Your personal commitment to passing the message throughout ended up being rather productive and have surely made many people much like me to get to their desired goals. Your own important guideline can mean so much a person like me and a whole lot more to my fellow workers. Many thanks; from all of us.

    Reply
  20. gay dildo says

    June 14, 2017 at 1:58 am

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning
    this article and the rest of the site is really good.

    Reply
  21. Hog Roast Northants says

    June 16, 2017 at 3:56 am

    I have read so many articles or reviews on the topic of the blogger lovers
    except this article is in fact a good paragraph, keep it up.

    Reply
  22. Scottrab says

    June 16, 2017 at 4:29 am

    xcqcpfz

    http://www.fulchiron.fr/266-ray-ban-2015-homme-bleu.html
    http://www.santopadreracingteam.it/125-oakley-7050.php
    http://www.nobleventum.de/761-longchamp-khaki.php
    http://www.ordineavvocaticasale.it/026-lacoste-costumi-uomo-2016.html
    http://www.triathlon-bous.de/adidas-neo-rosa-blau-992.php

    Asics Weiß Herren
    Nike Free Modelle
    Converse Auckland Racer
    Ray Ban Clubmaster 49 21
    Air Max 90 Beige

    Reply
  23. kobe shoes says

    June 16, 2017 at 7:38 am

    I simply had to thank you very much once again. I am not sure the things I might have used in the absence of those tips and hints shown by you on such a theme. It became a alarming crisis for me personally, however , observing a expert style you processed that made me to jump for contentment. Now i am happy for the information as well as hope that you find out what a powerful job that you are providing teaching most people all through your website. Probably you have never come across any of us.

    Reply
  24. undergraduate classes online says

    June 16, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological globe everything is available on net?

    Reply
  25. ScottKig says

    June 17, 2017 at 3:34 am

    Kaplan gmatgrelsat 2016 platinum

    http://giomarching.phpnet.us/tepexeg/a-better-finder-attributes-518-intelkg.html
    Strata 3dpro v3.8 rme mac commercial
    http://cumernews.phpzilla.net/pyhuqud/labcenter-proteus-professional-v78.html
    Phonics fluency practice with
    http://erlode.phpzilla.net/hyvezus/kaspersky-internet-security-2017-keys-chattchitto-rg-p-key.html
    http://mabmipo.php0h.com/qiloc/avast-free-antivirus-professional-edition-internet-security-50396-final-rus.html
    photoshop cs4 portable free download full version for windows 7
    easy watermark studio pro 3.5 final activated full

    Reply
  26. how to build an online store with shopify says

    June 17, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Hi there to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your
    views are fastidious in support of new people.

    Reply
  27. Mike Lee Carrollton says

    June 24, 2017 at 6:36 am

    Thanks for finally writing about >Women May be Practicing Yoga to Ward Off Mental Illness,
    Study Finds <Loved it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us

Facebookrss

Search:

Recent Posts

  • NASA’s InSight spacecraft makes important course correction May 26, 2018
  • Scientists outraged at latest Trump decision May 15, 2018
  • Huge uproar erupts over major incident at Utah park May 13, 2018
  • Incredible moon discovery stuns scientists May 12, 2018
  • Authorities shocked by discovery about common painkiller May 6, 2018
  • Outrageous crocodile experiment stuns scientists May 5, 2018
  • Great Barrier Reef is too quiet, scientists say May 1, 2018
  • Massive Hiroshima bomb discovery shocks scientists May 1, 2018
  • Earth will be slammed by massive asteroid April 29, 2018
  • Teens are doing something incredibly alarming in schools April 29, 2018
  • Huge discovery in Tasmania stuns scientists April 28, 2018
  • Shocking discovery in New Jersey stuns authorities April 22, 2018
  • Huge volcanic explosion could wipe out the United States April 21, 2018
  • Huge controversy erupts over world’s hottest pepper April 15, 2018
  • SpaceX is about to do something astonishing April 15, 2018

Copyright © 2022 Jones Kilmartin Group, LLC · Metro Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress