Yoga Classes in Munich - English-speaking

[bigwig]

I have been thinking of taking up Yoga.  Yes, I am a man.  I know Yoga has this reputation of being a bit girly.  After all, real men don't do yoga, they fight bears and wrestle lions.  However I need to get more flexible as my masseur told me my back pain is connected to my lack of muscle stretchiness.

I don't speak a word of German and need to find a beginners class for yoga.  Does anyone know a foreigner-friendly place to learn this art?

[Laneris]

You are so right about the reputation of Yoga being for girls. I am doing yoga myself and it was always more women participating at the course than men, but recently the situation has changed and we have got 8 men! and 2 women for the last course. My courses  are in German and probably not that what you are looking for. I am sure you will find Yoga in English.   

[Maker]

There are so many different types of Yoga. You should decide what type you would like to do and then to search for classes. Generally speaking traditional Yoga - Hatha Yoga is the best choice for beginners.

[Brandon]

As longer as you find a good teacher then language should not be too much of an issue as it's simply a case of following the instructor (and other class members). In a couple of weeks you'll probably start to pick up the names of the postures in whicever language (after all wether you learn 'the cat' or 'die katz', the name doesn't tell you which way to stretch.

The important thing to remember when doing yoga is just to move into the postures as far you feel comfortable, as you practice and your joints will loosen and you'll find it easier to move closer to the 'textbook' illustration for the pose.

Also as The Maker said, stick to Hatha Yoga as that the best for stretching and incrasing flexibility. Other branches tend to be more arobic.

[adamicus]

It is amazingly big choice of yoga courses in Munich. I think Hillary Coley http://www.hillary-coley-fitness.com does it as well. She is a personal fitness trainer who is also a qualified yoga teacher.

[Francis]

Really, I never knew she also did yoga, cool. Hatha is the one I will try then, as it sounds easy. Thanks for the tips guys.

[bigwig]

Thanks for the links.

[Laneris]

Sivananda Yoga Zentrum in Munich http://www.sivananda.org/munich seems to have a good reputation. I have heard lots of good things about it from my Yoga teacher and a couple of friends that  are taking up classes there.

[Francis]

Is it in English?
What do you do if you have arthritis and struggle with even sitting cross-legged?

[Laneris]

I am not sure about English, you can call there and ask. The whole meaning of yoga is not stretching and doing various asanas to strengthen your body, it is about improving your blood circulation in all parts of your body. The blood will bring necessary oxygen and all minerals and vitamins to feed your body and especially in those parts where this supply earlier was destroyed, where pain and illness occurred for whatever reasons.  The blood and energy circulation will improve your the cell building and foe that reasons will make you younger. That is why many yoga practitioners have sound body and look younger than their age. I your case I will strongly recommend to start yoga.

[Boomboom]

That was a well structured argument Laneris. I thought yoga was just for healthy people and just assumed people with joint pain should stay away.
It would be a brave person to attend a yoga class if they can hardly sit properly through pain.  I had an aunt with arthritis and it was painful to watch her move around.  She was not old either.