Classes – Broga® Yoga | Yoga for Men

Oct 23

Major Announcement + Sneak Peek

By Adam Classes, Events, Featured, How To, Inspirational, Motivation, News, Students, Teachers No Comments

Broga@ Yoga and Yoga for Men merge. Form YFM (Yoga. Fitness. Mindfulness.)

Dear Friends and Partners,

We’re thrilled to share a major announcement with you today, and to offer you an exclusive sneak peek.

Broga® Yoga (Broga LLC) has merged with Yoga for Men (Yoga for Men LLC), and formed a new company called, YFM.

YFM = Yoga. Fitness. Mindfulness.

The hard work we’ve put into building Broga® for these past many years will proceed uninterrupted. We will continue to offer Broga®-branded events, workshops, instructor training courses, and retreats. We remain – and we hope you do too! – fully committed to the Broga mission: To make yoga more accessible, appealing, and rewarding to everyone — especially men.

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the team at Yoga for Men. They’re a great group of amazing people doing meaningful work.

Recently, while working together on cross-promotional activities, it became clear that there were strong synergies. Aside from the easy rapport, a shared vision, and natural collaboration, we also saw that each side brought complimentary skills.

The Yoga for Men team has fostered a significant online community and built a successful online apparel store. They also have outstanding video content, some of which has been used for a compelling study on Veterans with PTSD.
At Broga, as you know, we’ve long focused on instructor training/support and events, while building a library of videos in Broga Online Studios (‘the BOSS’).

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
After some discussions, the question became: If Broga and Yoga for Men merged, what would we do?

…And part of the answer to that question is what we want to share with you today.

The new company, YFM, is launching a brand new subscription-based video streaming platform at YFM.tv!

In addition to videos featuring top instructors across a range of modalities – a variety of yoga formats, pilates, functional training, cardio workouts, and guided mindfulness practices – members will also have access to exclusive discounts on apparel, training courses, and live events.

==> TAKE A PEEK: www.yfm.tv <==

Please submit your own email address.
Refer AT LEAST two friends — *refer as many as you’d like* — to stock up on FREE ACCESS in advance.
Email adam@brogayoga.com with any thoughts.

We look forward to your feedback… Don’t forget to sign up!

Onward and upward!!

In gratitude,

Broga Team
Adam, Robert, Chuck, & Katie

PS – Check it out: www.yfm.tv. See you there…

FYI — In the coming weeks, Yoga for Men will transition to the new brand, YFM. Broga will remain a distinct brand under the YFM umbrella. Together, we have some exciting partnerships in the works — e.g. pro athletes, massive brands, and more. We’re also partners in some incredible new research that we’ll share more about soon.

Dec 07

3 Reasons Class Vibe Matters

By Katie Rose Classes, How To, Opinion, Teachers No Comments

Whether you’re into “that energy stuff” or not, I think it’s safe to say we’ve all had experiences with an environment or person giving off a bad “vibe.” It’s also possible you’ve had the inexplicable experience of “feeling good” in a place or with someone. What you felt is considered the “vibe.” A quick Google search tells us a vibe is “a person’s emotional state or the atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by others.”

What’s this have to do with yoga? The atmosphere an instructor creates for their class is a determining factor in why students are drawn to attend and why they choose to return. In the interest of sharing the benefits of yoga with as many people as possible, it is important for instructors to consider the student experience when planning classes. Let’s look at the 3 reasons the class vibe matters.

Students don’t come to yoga to learn a new language. I love Sanskrit and have a deep appreciation for my thorough training including it. However, most people are relatively unaware of this language and even yoga philosophy. Keeping the language clear, anatomical, and directional with an emphasis on the postural benefits will make the practice accessible to a wider audience.

Students want to breathe fresh air. I don’t know about you, but I am not into getting centered while trying to recover from an asthma attack (I speak from experience). It is much less intimidating if attending a yoga class doesn’t accost the senses or feel like a cult initiation. Many people are still resistant or fearful of yoga philosophy and symbols (statues, altars, chanting, etc) so keeping the learning space free from distractions allows them to be more present and experience the benefits of the physical practice, which is most likely why they came to class.

Students like music that moves them. Music speaks to me on a cellular level, and I know I’m not alone in my experience. If your class is meditative and slow paced, choose music that supports the timing. When teaching a more energetic, powerful practice, students like music with a good beat, even up-tempo at peak points in the flow. It can be instrumental, it can have lyrics, just keep them clean and positive. Choosing lyrics that don’t compete with your instruction is critical. Most important is the class’ ability to hear your cues so consider the volume of both your voice and the music throughout the practice.

As instructors, the environment created for the students is just as important to consider as your sequencing. You can be a creative sequencer, but if your playlist is lackluster and space is cluttered or odiferous, then people will never experience your sequencing genius. Or they’ll be so focused on all the other “stuff” going on they won’t remember the practice. Word of mouth can make or break class attendance. Consider the student experience when designing or choosing your teaching spaces and marketing your classes. Bring students to the mat, give them an accessible and memorable experience, and keep them coming back. Let the yoga do the work.

Aug 03

Broga Instructor Profile: Evan LaBarre

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

evan

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

My path to Broga/Yoga is not a dramatic story. As a personal trainer I spend a lot of time in the gym training myself and clients. Over the years I tried several different yoga classes and enjoyed them but I never found a style or teacher that I really connected with. Conveniently the manager of the club I work at got certified to teach Broga, so I decided to give it a shot, and like so many beginner yoga students I came to class strictly for the workout. Being a pretty mobile and flexible person I figured the workout would not be too hard. I quickly realized that the workout was going to challenge me in a way that I was not expecting given my high level of fitness. The overall tone, feel of the class, and music were awesome! I knew after the first class that Broga was going to be a big part of professional and personal life.

WHAT MUSIC GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED FOR THE H.I.I.T. PORTION OF THE CLASS?

My favorite Broga song is KI Theory’s cover of “Stand By Me”. The song is great example of not only the music I like sharing with my stufents and the tone I like to set for class but of my own personal taste as well. I also really like Gary Clark JR “Don’t Owe You A Thang”. Moby “I Love To Move In Here” and Fitz And The Tantrums “Hand Clap” are also some of my favorites!

WHERE DO YOU TEACH YOUR Broga® CLASS & WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE?

I teach Broga at Commonwealth Sports Club in Boston on Monday evenings at 6:00pm and Saturday mornings at 9:30am.

IN ADDITION Broga/Yoga WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

I have been a lifelong fitness enthusiast, currently I have been into Olympic lifting and will be competing in the Bay State Games on July 23rd 2016 for the second year in a row. I also really enjoy training with Kettlebells and the TRX suspension trainer, both have a huge carryover to my Broga practice.

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?

My Broga class on average is a 2/1 ratio of women to men.

We have learned over the years from the press and social media that our name “Broga” conjures up some strong reactions from people. The origin came with a sense of humor and has evolved to reflect that Broga ® is a class that celebrates the BROtherhood of Mankind. What are your thoughts on the term Broga®?

I love the name Broga® and the evolution behind the meaning of it.

Jul 12

Broga Instructor Profile: Christina Sokolowski

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

Christina Sokolowski

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

I decided to become a Broga instructor after seeing a short video of a class. I teach primarily to a military dominant community and have a strong fitness background so the blend of HIIT and yoga appealed to me.

WHAT MUSIC GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED FOR THE H.I.I.T. PORTION OF THE CLASS?

Lately we have been using Rock Meets Rachmaninoff by The Piano Guys for our HIIT section. I like to use instrumental music so the words don’t distract my students.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH YOUR Broga® CLASS & WHO SHOWS UP?

I teach at LA Fitness Alexandria- Beulah in Virginia on Saturdays at 11am. While my class is still primarily women, the male participation has been steadily climbing every week. I would put us at 70/30 ish.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF CHRISTINA?

I am a military mother of 4, 2 with special needs and 1 cancer survivor, so spare time is scarce. I enjoy reading and cooking when i’m not teaching or coaching. I am a health & fitness coach as well as teaching yoga, pilates, bootcamp, P90X and PIYO to name a few.

Jul 05

Broga Instructor Profile: Brad Clark

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

Brad Clark Broga Instructor Alaska

I moved to Alaska over 30 years ago to attend the University of Alaska. I love backcountry adventures in the mountains, long distance running and cross-country skiing. I recruit physicians and medical providers to Alaska. I’ve had my 200 hour YTT certification since 2012.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

I recently came back very disappointed from a yoga teacher training and told a friend I wanted to create a power flow yoga workout with some core work and HIIT mixed in and a day or two later I received Adam’s email on the December Broga® training. I thought the term sounded a little corny but all of the foundational principles REALLY resonated with me: good workout, plain cuing language, think and teach from the perspective of the man or woman stepping into a class for the first time. It all made sense and I jumped in without thinking twice.

WHAT SONG GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED UP DURING THE H.I.I.T. PORTION OF THE CLASS?

For the HIIT my current step it up tune is Good To Be Alive by Andy Grammer.

HAVE YOU RUN INTO ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT Broga® AND HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED?

I am careful to always let women know they are welcome too. For the most part I’ve had a very enthusiastic response from students who tried out the class.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH AND WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE? DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS OR PROMOTIONS?

I am currently teaching Monday nights at Trax Yoga in Fairbanks. I teach on a rotating schedule once a week after work for our employees at the Tanana Chiefs Conference and I have taught several Broga® inspired classes at Heartstream Yoga while subbing for other instructors.

IN ADDITION Broga®/YOGA WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

Besides Broga® I love a good vinyassa flow with inversions and arm balances and continue to be inspired and learn online from my friend Dylan Werner who is an inversion and balance expert. I enjoy hiking in the backcountry and mountains of Alaska with my wife Amy Johnson. I’ve taken some time off from distance running but will likely make my way back to it. I love landscaping and working with large rock and stone.

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?

At our kick-off Broga® class at Trax on Monday it was a perfect 50-50 split of men and women–12 total. http://www.traxyoga.com/

Jun 28

Broga Instructor Profile: Lannie Pullon

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

Broga was brought to my hey tension by Suzy Yeagley. Suzy is the owner of Bloomington Body Bar which is a fitness studio that I teach TRX class for her at. Suzy posted a thing to her instructor site about Broga and want to know our thoughts and opinions on it. After looking through the website and finding things online about Broga I was looking forward to trying a class at Suzy was teaching because it really sparked my interest. After taking Suzy class I was hooked. I really enjoyed the mix between yoga and HIIT programming that Broga put together.

WHAT MUSIC GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED UP DURING THE HIIT PORTION OF THE CLASS?

My class really likes music by Kongos and Fall out Boy, it adds extra energy to class.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTION YOU FACE ABOUT Broga® AND HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO IT??

Most people think it’s just for guys just like the name suggest. But I let them know that it may have been designed with men in mind but the woman that take my class really enjoy the change up in yoga format.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOUR Broga® CLASSES?

I teach Broga at my Studio Impact Fitness Training. Tuesday’s 7pm, Wednesday’s 7am, and Friday’s at 8am.

BESIDES YOGA/Broga® WHAT OTHER FORMS OF FITNESS/EXERCISE DO YOU LIKE?

I’m a personal trainer and fitness coach. I personally train for strongman events that I compete at all over the Midwest competing in the 220lb weight class.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE MALE TO FEMALE RATIO IN YOUR Broga® CLASS?

3 Men to 1 Women usually.

Jun 21

Broga Instructor Profile: Jessica Donohue

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

Jessica Donohue

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

I decided to become a Broga® instructor while I was in the middle of my 200 hr Yoga Teacher training. My instructor had been a life long athlete and would often mention the importance of combining yoga with strength training. Yoga, alone, doesn’t give the body all it needs for optimal health, he would say. He mentioned Broga® as an example of a style of yoga that weaves fitness into every class, building strength along side flexibility. I checked out the Broga® website, watched some videos and signed up that very day for the online training course.

WHAT SONG GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED DURING THE H.I.I.T. SECTION?

My two favorite songs lately for the HIIT section of class are Henrietta, by The Fratellis and Here It Goes Again, by OK Go. Both super upbeat and fun songs.

HAVE YOU RUN INTO ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT Broga® AND HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED?

I think people hear the word Broga® and think it’s a joke, that it’s not a serious class. I like that the first impression makes people smile. Then I tell them what it is, beyond a silly name and most people seem to get it. Get them to a class and the joke’s up. I love teaching a class where people really get to push themselves to new places and see how much stronger they are than they had thought before, both physically and mentally.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH AND WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE?

My classes are Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 1:00 at a small group and personal training gym called Strength Lab Eugene. It’s only been open for a few months but it’s growing quickly.

IN ADDITION TO BROGA®/YOGA WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

In addition to Broga®, I teach Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga. I became certified to teach in San Diego 2 years ago and I’m the first one to bring it to the waters of Eugene, Oregon! I have my sights set on teaching retreats in tropical locations in the future, combining Broga® and SUP yoga. Keep your eyes out for Yo, SUP Bro!

My personal workout, beyond yoga, is powerlifting. I love surprising people with how strong a small woman can be..

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?

My classes are 1/3 men at this point.

Jun 14

Broga Instructor Profile: Michael Dever

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

Fitness and health have always been an important aspect of my life. From an early age I realised that the way in which you treated your body was the way in which your body treats you. Starting my career in the teaching and training industry and flowing through to managing a successful fitness centre as well as leading classes, this health focus has been re-ignighted in the form of my passion for spreading the yoga message through teaching.

Trained by the Byron Yoga Centre under John Ogilvy as well as being a Broga accredited instructor, I bring a sense of humour (a Canadian one however) and exploration to my teaching. Always with an appetite for new experiences and challenging myself and my students and bringing this “newness” to all of my Workshops. This being said ensuring my students are supported and safe is paramount to a long term yoga journey. I look forward to joining you on the mat.

“Where your focus goes, your energy flows”

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

I became a Broga instructor to share the benefits that I have personally received from Yoga with other guys. By making it man-specific, more Men will feel comfortable to try a Men’s yoga class instead of being intimidated being a beginner walking into a studio for the first time.

WHAT SONG GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED DURING THE H.I.I.T. SECTION?

A little local flavor or usually some AC/DC like “You Shook me all Night Long”.

IN ADDITION TO BROGA®/YOGA WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

Baseball, Hiking, Concerts, Movies and time with Friends and Family.

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?

My Broga® class is offered for men only, so it’s 100% male.

Jun 08

Broga Instructor Profile: Karen DeTemple

By Adam Classes, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A Broga® INSTRUCTOR?

To inspire men to find their mat.

WHAT SONG GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED DURING THE H.I.I.T. SECTION?

It’s always a song from The Black Keys! I ask for suggested and my students always yell out Black Keys and they get cranky if I plan another song.

HAVE YOU RUN INTO ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BROGA® AND HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED?

People think it is only for men so I always need to be sensitive about gender identity.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH BROGA® AND WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE?

I teach at 10am on Saturday at Borealis Community yoga. And privates too.

IN ADDITION TO BROGA®/YOGA WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

I love working with kettle bells and primal moves. They pair very well with the yoga practice.

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN YOUR CLASS?

My Class is 95% Men and 5% Women.

May 10

Broga Instructor Profile: Daniel Gonzalez

By Adam Classes, Events, Inspirational, Interviews, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized No Comments

Daniel Gonzalez is a trained Broga® Instructor, in Corona, CA, who is currently earning his 200 hour RYT certificate. He is dedicated to helping others find their own practice and to meet their fitness goals through yoga.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A BROGA® INSTRUCTOR?

After taking a trip to Seattle, I came across a men’s only class It’s actually why I went to Seattle, to take part in this men’s only class. It got me thinking about how yoga is delivered to men in general. I often looked around at the studio I practice at and saw maybe myself, and two other guys. That led me on a Google quest, and I came across Broga®. I watched the videos and it resonated with my physical needs. Before yoga I took part in Insanity and P90X. This was a great way to marry the two things I love. With that I knew that this was a great way to get other men into a practice. To show them yoga isn’t about flexibility, it’s about the body foremost and the mind. Who doesn’t want a full body workout?

WHAT SONG GETS YOUR CLASS PUMPED DURING THE H.I.I.T. SECTION?

That’s a tough question because I love music, and have an extensive playlist. My favorite song that gets people moving during the HIIT section is anything by Wolfmother, especially the song Woman

HAVE YOU RUN INTO ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BROGA® AND HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED?

I didn’t run into any misconceptions, instead I ran into a lot of curiosity. This was so great, as people at the studio wanted to know more. Once they heard they were hooked.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH BROGA® AND WHAT IS YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE? ANY SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR BROGA® AT YOUR STUDIO?

I teach at Yoga Den Health Spa in Corona, California. I teach Broga® Tuesday’s 6:30AM, Thursday’s 9:30AM, and Friday’s at 6:00PM. No specials or promotions for Broga® at the moment. We are working on offering a Broga® class for the local police department. Getting Broga® out to the community one step at a time.

IN ADDITION TO BROGA®/YOGA WHAT OTHER FITNESS AND HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

I enjoy working out, and helping other people meet their fitness or health goals. The things that keep me motivated are the simple things in life. I play the guitar, and am learning how to play the violin again. If I am not involved in musical adventures then I am out in the mountains, desert, enjoying my friends and family. I try and keep a balance in life.

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