Protect your balls. This one’s for the guys.
Since becoming a yoga instructor, just a few months ago, I have had some conversations that could not have been predicted. This one tops the list. What do I do with my balls during yoga? I have several men in my various classes and while I fully understand that the male body is different from the female body, I just never thought about it in terms of yoga asana.
My first response was “I do not know how you walk around with those things!”. Then I said, “In all honesty, I don’t know. Let me find out.” So, I hit the streets looking for answers. By streets I mean the internet. I did not just start asking random men on the street how they protect their balls during yoga. This is what I found out.
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1. Listen To Your Body and Adjust As Needed.
Try not to be self-conscious. Do not wait for anyone to give you permission or worry that someone is going to see. If you experience discomfort or pain in the testicles or groin area, it’s essential to stop the pose immediately and make yourself comfortable. According to reddit’s patsully98 “Sometimes you just have to shift.”
2. Choose the Right Clothing
While free balling in your everyday life might be your preference, wearing appropriate clothing that provides good support and protection is essential. Loose-fitting boxers or basketball shorts are not the best choice. Consider compression shorts, boxer briefs or snug-fitting yoga pants to keep those plums in place. Comfort is super important as is wearing clothing that keep everything in place.
According to OhDavidMyNacho in a recent reddit post “I’ve also personally realized it’s what you wear. Gotta give space to sway. And sometimes a light re-adjustment is needed. It definitely helps with being present in your body through various movements though.”
3. Use Props
Utilize yoga props like blocks, cushions, or bolsters to adapt poses as needed. Props can help avoid putting excess pressure on the groin area. A block between the legs can make space. Read on for more details.
4. Communicate with Instructors
It’s ok to ask! If you’re attending a class, don’t hesitate to communicate with your teacher. This can be done discreetly before or after class. They can provide guidance on adapting poses and suggest alternatives when necessary. If we don’t know, we will find out.
5. Poses with Legs Together
Block between your thighs, toes or step feet a little further apart. For instance, in Chair (Utkatasana) pose or Mountain Pose (Tadasana) it is often cued to put the feet close together. It is perfectly acceptable to step the feet apart or use a block between the knees. You are not going to lose any benefits of the postures by moving to a wider stance. Again, adjust. Tuck back or bring forward. See what works. You don’t need anyone’s approval or permission.
RELATED: 5 Helpful Yoga Props That I Use In My Practice
6. Poses with Crossed Legs
These are the poses that give guys the most trouble, so I’ve heard. In poses like Eagle or Half Lord of the Fishes (a seated twist with one leg folded in front of the other) simply don’t cross the legs. Or don’t cross them as tightly. You can still get the same benefits of the pose. For instance, the main benefit of Half Lord of the Fishes is from the spinal twist not the crossed legs.
7. Prone Poses
Poses where you are laying on your belly and chest like Cobra or Sphinx can push your boys straight down and crushing them with your own body weight. For fellas with a little more belly, it can be even more intense. Be sure that the weight of your body is in front of the pelvic bone rather than a lot of resting on your thighs.
Additionally, firming up through your core muscles will help. The use of a blanket or a cushion placed in front of the pubic bone can be helpful here as well. Feet a little wider can also help as well as take pressure off the low back.
8. Avoid Overstretching and Warm-Up Properly
Every instructor led practice should begin with a good warmup. When practicing on your own, begin with gentle warm-up poses to prepare your body. Be mindful of over doing it in poses like wide legged Forward Fold which can strain the groin. Work to your edge. Gradually build up flexibility over time.
Is there “A Move”?
According to ArMcK in a reddit post, there is “a move”!
How Do You Do It?
Thoughts? How do you, or your male pals, protect the package during yoga? Let me know on Instagram!