Raising the Barre

A local studio is encouraging more men to reap the mental and physical rewards of yoga, Pliates and barre classes.

A RENEWED INTEREST in wellness and health has seen a growing number of men participating in barre, yoga and Pilates classes according to local Gold Coast studio, The Floating Lotus.

Studio owners Nalini and Jason Tebbey advised the therapeutic benefits of yoga and Pilates for men were well documented and are encouraging more Gold Coasters to take up the challenge for their physical and mental health.

“People have long associated yoga and Pilates with women but we are definitely starting to see a shift in that mentality, particularly over the past 10 months,” Nalini explains.

“There has been so much change and disruption over the past year so to have a physical activity that you enjoy and promotes mind and body balance is just so important.”

Membership at The Floating Lotus has increased by nearly 300 per cent since July 2020 and Nalini expects to see even more male faces in her classes as men become increasingly aware of the benefits.

“I’m not at all surprised that we are seeing more men join the studio,” said Nalini.

“I think men have traditionally opted for the ‘tough’” training style that you see through weights training and Crossfit which can be hard on your muscles.

“Our classes use bodyweight and stretching to build strength from within and improve compound movements.

“Many of our clientele are using them to support performance across all of their fitness interests.

“That weekend Pilates class could indeed improve your next compound movement like a deadlift at the gym.”

Nalini also advised that the classes were often a great outlet for males who can be less open about discussing mental health.

“Men can be less aware of their stress levels and their thoughts so promoting exercise that fosters mindfulness and doing so within our supportive studio community, is also something that we are very passionate about,” she said.

To find out more about The Floating Lotus Studio, class timetable and memberships, visit: thefloatinglotus.com.au