Yoga, a problem of courtesy, especially in need of female answers?
So, before any assume this is a joke, let me assure you it’s not. It’s a question stemming from real life experience, and one I’d like to ‘anonymously’ gather opinions on.
I’ve been doing a beginner’s yoga class for about three weeks now, and I’d noticed early on that there were potential pitfalls for any guy in that type of environment. However, yoga was highly recommended as a way to strengthen my back and start burning some fat. (I was injured in Iraq, and a nasty side effect of the ‘treatment’ was gaining roughly 80lbs and about ten percent body fat.)
Well, a few weeks went fine, and then it happened, the unintentional, chemical erection. Luckily we were doing some seated maneuvers and I was able to regain composure without causing a ruckus, but it’s put a fear in my mind.
How would it be perceived for a man to be spotted with an erection in the middle of a Yoga class? Would the group be mostly mature about it, realizing that it’s a hard thing to stop when some of those positions are being assumed by the finer sex? Or would it be perceived as an act of perversion?
I’ve worked out in the gym most of my life and have seldom run into this situation, and when I did it was as easy as changing my workout schedule. Alas, this particular class is only offered the once.
What’s the verdict? Should I seek another, more male centered yoga class (That’s an odd statement to make, considering in one light the one I’m in now is extremely male centered.)? Or should I continue to go, using self control as much as possible, and hoping nature doesn’t over rule me in a more awkward pose?
Let me again state, this is a serious question, I’d appreciate sincere, adult answers. And please do give me the benefit of the doubt, I am not going to yoga for any other reason than to get a good, joint friendly workout.
I’m going to be absolutely honest, and I hope it doesn’t make you upset or offend you. Like the first answerer, I’d also personally divert my attention – but it would probably make me uncomfortable, regardless. I wouldn’t think it perverted at all, I’d just get self-conscious and wonder what ’set you off’.
In my experience, most women wouldn’t even hint that they’ve noticed, during the session. But also in my experience, women talk – a lot. After the class you might be the center of many gossip sessions. It is times like these that make me a bit embarassed to be a woman. I personally hate gossip and all that goes along with it, but it’s virtually inevitable when women come together.
If you don’t mind this kind of talk, I would encourage you to stay with the class. Like you say, it is in your best interest to participate in yoga, and these people you are taking the class with are unlikely to be part of your everyday life, beyond the class. You seem more concerned with your classmates’ comfort; I’m more concerned for yours. I honestly can’t imagine anyone actually being upset-it’s nature! I can only imagine the chatter.
That being said, interest (gossip) will wane relatively quickly. After they notice, they’ll chat, get it out of their system, and my bet would be it’s old news after a couple more classes.
I think you should continue to go and benefit from this. I don’t think anyone will be offended. A little initial uncomfortable awkwardness might be in store, but it’s basic nature and everyone knows it. You might get sympathy, pity, humor, diverted attention, but I really doubt you’ll get anyone thinking you’re a pervert.
As a woman, I appreciate reading this sort of post. It shows your respect for women, and I’m sure it shows in your actions. Thank you!
I wish you the best of luck with your classes, and I hope you can enjoy them.
By the way – women gossip constantly. Even if they do end up noticing and talking about it, their attention is short and you aren’t going to be giant headline news. Something else will come up, and they’ll move on.
November 1st, 2009 at 1:56 am
My sympathy goes out to you, I wouldn’t understand that situation but I can only imagine how embarrassing it is.
Personally if I were in that sort of yoga class with you I would feel for you and maybe do something to divert attention away from you.. but that’s me.
It’s unfortunate that there are a lot of girls out there that will take that as perversion. I would say a good majority of the class would.
Then again I don’t know what kind of people are in this class with you.
My best advice would be to stick with it since it’s good for you. Wear loose gym shorts and try to use as much self control as you can. Or do something before the class to help yourself. I’m not sure what guys do to calm down in that situation..
Good luck! I hope it gets better!
P.S. if all else fails.. yoga tapes work as well.. and you can do them at home.
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November 1st, 2009 at 2:09 am
i have done yoga and pilates for years and never NOTICED a man having this problem, that being said i am rarely looking at the other participants that closely. however, i find it strange that this would be such a problem, but i am not a guy and don’t understand the whole phenom.
BUT i think if you are focusing on all the things you should be in yoga (the proper position YoUR body is in, your breathing, etc) you should be sufficiently unaware the finer sex’s "positions"
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November 1st, 2009 at 2:40 am
This is one of those things that makes me really glad I’m female. I sympathize for you.
If I were in the class I probably wouldn’t notice being that I’m paying more attention to what I’m doing than what others in the class are doing… unless there’s a cute guy in which case I might occasionally glance- LOL. Hey, I’m being honest here.
My suggestion to you would be to do your best to ignore your classmates and focus on your muscles and your poses. If you still find that you’re having problems, videos work well. I use videos simply for the sake that I can’t afford classes. Or you could go to a men’s class, or even hire an individual trainer for one-on-one sessions.
References :
November 1st, 2009 at 2:51 am
I’m going to be absolutely honest, and I hope it doesn’t make you upset or offend you. Like the first answerer, I’d also personally divert my attention – but it would probably make me uncomfortable, regardless. I wouldn’t think it perverted at all, I’d just get self-conscious and wonder what ’set you off’.
In my experience, most women wouldn’t even hint that they’ve noticed, during the session. But also in my experience, women talk – a lot. After the class you might be the center of many gossip sessions. It is times like these that make me a bit embarassed to be a woman. I personally hate gossip and all that goes along with it, but it’s virtually inevitable when women come together.
If you don’t mind this kind of talk, I would encourage you to stay with the class. Like you say, it is in your best interest to participate in yoga, and these people you are taking the class with are unlikely to be part of your everyday life, beyond the class. You seem more concerned with your classmates’ comfort; I’m more concerned for yours. I honestly can’t imagine anyone actually being upset-it’s nature! I can only imagine the chatter.
That being said, interest (gossip) will wane relatively quickly. After they notice, they’ll chat, get it out of their system, and my bet would be it’s old news after a couple more classes.
I think you should continue to go and benefit from this. I don’t think anyone will be offended. A little initial uncomfortable awkwardness might be in store, but it’s basic nature and everyone knows it. You might get sympathy, pity, humor, diverted attention, but I really doubt you’ll get anyone thinking you’re a pervert.
As a woman, I appreciate reading this sort of post. It shows your respect for women, and I’m sure it shows in your actions. Thank you!
I wish you the best of luck with your classes, and I hope you can enjoy them.
By the way – women gossip constantly. Even if they do end up noticing and talking about it, their attention is short and you aren’t going to be giant headline news. Something else will come up, and they’ll move on.
References :
November 1st, 2009 at 3:08 am
You really do set posers.
How about fairly tight underwear, or something like bike shorts, which would let you position the willful beast so that if it misbehaves, the enlargement will be upward and tucked in, rather than flagpole sideways.
40 years ago I was dared to go into a chemist to ask for sanitary pads for my sister. That was the height of social bravery. And now to discus wayward erections in a public forum…….is the world a better place?
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