Sedgwick is creating a men’s yoga trial to offer a taste of what is possible, the mental and physical benefits, in a bid to get more men practising more often.

He often takes classes with one or two men up the back having a go, but said often men can feel intimidated in a predominantly female class – and females tended to be more flexible.

“Once guys finish playing sports they can get particularly tight and restrictive in their muscles, then feel like a goose when they aren’t as flexible or their balance is off,” Sedgwick said.

“A lot of men are not very good at looking after themselves. There is the old style that you’ve got to be strong and not hold on to emotions. A lot of men can feel quite isolated.

“...Hopefully some yoga can help them become a little bit more lenient and positive in how they’re feeling about themselves.”

Sedgwick said often, all it could take to break down barriers was a few jokes with each other.

He said practising yoga also helped encourage mindfulness, focusing on the present and reducing feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.

Sedgwick said improved flexibility, strength, balance and mind takes time.

He is running a one-month trial, setting good yoga foundations, in a bid for men to start feeling a difference and then feel confident enough to continue in a mainstream class.

“These qualities integrate into the body at first and with practice work their way into the mind,” Sedgwick said.

“As your body transforms so too does your mind. This is the true benefit of a yoga practice.”

The men’s yoga trial coincides with national mental health awareness month.

Sedgwick is encouraging men to register online with Absolute Yoga and Pilates studio but said walk-ups were welcome too.

Classes run on Thursday evenings from this week.

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