Before we begin, we should ask ourselves: why do we need to have separate versions of the same thing "FOR MEN"? Everything from body wash to body types seem to have something that's just for guys. The latest entry in this bizarre boys club? Broga. Yes, it's yoga—for bros.
Founded in 2009 by two super chill bros, Robert Sidoti and Adam O’Neill, the Broga formula is a mashup between see-thru Lululemon leggings and Led Zeppelin; it's the same yoga class you can get at hundreds of studios across the country, just catering to men.
Explaining the workout's beginnings, Sidoti told People: "I just realized that yoga helps me so much, and I wanted to be able to create something so other guys can also benefit...But I tried to do it in a different way, more of a workout approach."
Now, for all of our skepticism, we admit there's some logic to the way Broga has been planned out. The "Intro to Broga" video, as seen on the official Vimeo channel for Broga, explains that while normal yoga uses a style that doesn't cater to the male form, Broga is designed for guys:
"In Broga 1, while building around men's natural strengths—like their shoulders, chest, and arms—we also begin loosening up the tight areas that cause injury and limit body health, especially the hamstrings and lower back."
As Sidoti explained to The Boston Globe:
“This is not a dumbed down version of yoga. There’s a lot of movement linking the postures, but adding push-ups and variations of squats. People see the name ‘Broga’ and they think it’s just a bunch of idiots. But there’s integrity.’’
So maybe this is really legit. But what if you're actually interested in hitting up a class after one jagerbomb too many, what can you expect? For a start, there's not going to be any Enya or new age chanting. Instead, prepare to do some deep breathing to The Black Keys, Bon Iver, and Radiohead. The instruction isn't stuffy or intimidating like your run-of-the-mill yoga class either. As Sidoti explains, it's "more like a buddy giving you pointers."
Whether you're into the idea of fist-bumping your way to a toned physique or not, it seems like it's the perfect way to shake your dadbod. As they say on the Broga website:
"Good music, cool vibe, all are welcome."
