Enhance Your Life with a New Activity
Just a half-century ago, the common perception was that sports or hobbies for men were more competitive and aggressive, like football and motorcycle riding, while women’s tended to be more about aesthetics, such as dancing. Progress has been made since then, with a 2006 study revealing that gender categorization when it comes to sports was improving.
Obviously gender stereotypes do still exist to some extent, but why not branch out of your comfort zone and try something new? In fact, you might just find an activity that you hadn’t considered before actually fits just right, while helping to change those stereotypes at the same time.
Yoga
Many people are under the impression that yoga is for women, but that’s certainly not the case. If you aren’t convinced, consider that some of the toughest male athletes have turned to yoga as a way to prevent injuries, prepare mentally and improve functional strength.
Just one example includes Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson who performs yoga as part of his pregame routine. He told CBS Detroit that he believes it’s very beneficial and that he’s noticed a positive impact from being looser in his hips and hamstrings.
Additionally, Nate Burleson has said that yoga was a lot tougher than he expected it to be, but when he was initially advised to try it, his first thought was that it was an activity just for girls. He quickly changed his mind, discovering that it made a world of difference for his game as it stretches out muscles that are often compressed.
If you’re still hesitant to try it out, you might consider joining or at least reviewing a forum specifically for men interested in yoga at Yoga for Men and ask some of the current members about their experiences. Classes can generally be found throughout most communities across the nation and the only equipment you need is a yoga mat.
Charlestown's Parks and Recreation Department organizes yoga classes four days a week at the Community Center in Ninigret Park. You can call Mary at 364-6998 for more information.
Motorcycling
Motorcycling has traditionally been a male dominated activity, but the latest statistics show that one in 10 motorcycle owners are now female. Some female riders have remarked that they love the feeling of being in control and that it also offers a chance to enjoy the moment without thinking about daily responsibilities.
In the past, it was challenging to find clothing and equipment designed for women, but today, it’s fairly easy to find a bike modified for a smaller body as well as jackets, gloves and helmets designed for ladies from BikeBandit. Women in the U.S. can also find a number of intro-to-motorcycling events, like the Harley-Davidson Garage Parties for women held at dealerships across the country.
Fly-Fishing
Although just 24 percent of the fly-fishing community are said to be women, there is no reason that can’t change. Getting out on the river with a rod and a reel is not only fun, it offers numerous benefits, including the chance to relax and de-stress. One organization, Casting for Recovery, even uses fly-fishing to help women recover from breast cancer surgery.
If you think you might be interested, consider taking an introductory class to get a taste of fly-fishing and see if the sport is right for you. Angler’s Covey is just one option featuring women only and co-ed classes that cover the basics. Tips and a wealth of information, including everything from purchasing a fly rod to finding the best places to fish as well as a listing of women-specific fly-fishing clubs across the globe, can be found at Women’s Fly Fishing Alaska.
In our area the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association holds classes on fly fishing and fly-tying.
Obviously gender stereotypes do still exist to some extent, but why not branch out of your comfort zone and try something new? In fact, you might just find an activity that you hadn’t considered before actually fits just right, while helping to change those stereotypes at the same time.
Yoga
Many people are under the impression that yoga is for women, but that’s certainly not the case. If you aren’t convinced, consider that some of the toughest male athletes have turned to yoga as a way to prevent injuries, prepare mentally and improve functional strength.
Just one example includes Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson who performs yoga as part of his pregame routine. He told CBS Detroit that he believes it’s very beneficial and that he’s noticed a positive impact from being looser in his hips and hamstrings.
Additionally, Nate Burleson has said that yoga was a lot tougher than he expected it to be, but when he was initially advised to try it, his first thought was that it was an activity just for girls. He quickly changed his mind, discovering that it made a world of difference for his game as it stretches out muscles that are often compressed.
If you’re still hesitant to try it out, you might consider joining or at least reviewing a forum specifically for men interested in yoga at Yoga for Men and ask some of the current members about their experiences. Classes can generally be found throughout most communities across the nation and the only equipment you need is a yoga mat.
Charlestown's Parks and Recreation Department organizes yoga classes four days a week at the Community Center in Ninigret Park. You can call Mary at 364-6998 for more information.
Motorcycling
Motorcycling has traditionally been a male dominated activity, but the latest statistics show that one in 10 motorcycle owners are now female. Some female riders have remarked that they love the feeling of being in control and that it also offers a chance to enjoy the moment without thinking about daily responsibilities.
In the past, it was challenging to find clothing and equipment designed for women, but today, it’s fairly easy to find a bike modified for a smaller body as well as jackets, gloves and helmets designed for ladies from BikeBandit. Women in the U.S. can also find a number of intro-to-motorcycling events, like the Harley-Davidson Garage Parties for women held at dealerships across the country.
Fly-Fishing
Although just 24 percent of the fly-fishing community are said to be women, there is no reason that can’t change. Getting out on the river with a rod and a reel is not only fun, it offers numerous benefits, including the chance to relax and de-stress. One organization, Casting for Recovery, even uses fly-fishing to help women recover from breast cancer surgery.
If you think you might be interested, consider taking an introductory class to get a taste of fly-fishing and see if the sport is right for you. Angler’s Covey is just one option featuring women only and co-ed classes that cover the basics. Tips and a wealth of information, including everything from purchasing a fly rod to finding the best places to fish as well as a listing of women-specific fly-fishing clubs across the globe, can be found at Women’s Fly Fishing Alaska.
In our area the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association holds classes on fly fishing and fly-tying.