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Real Men Do Yoga

Jack Hannigan would be considered a "real man" by most men's standards. He is a successful business man, very physically fit and he is an avid golfer. Jack is one of our most dedicated yoga students so I decided to interview him and find out why this ancient practice would attract someone like Jack. Jack is currently Chief Marketing Officer of Foremost Insurance and is married to Vickie, who is also a dedicated student of Cascade Yoga Studio. Jack and Vickie have two grown children, Jim and Erin. They are currently expecting their first grandchild.

Viki: What first attracted you to practice Yoga?

Jack: Even though I was physically active my whole life, I thought it would be interesting to include a stretching routine. Initially I was surprised at how physically challenging yoga could be and how much strength was required and cultivated in this practice. I loved all the knowledge that I have learned about the spine and other parts of the body that I never focused on. Yoga hits every muscle in the body, even the feet, which is probably why it brings so much balance into my body and my life.

Viki: What has yoga done for you personally?

Jack: It has improved my patience immensely and helped me to be more tolerant and appreciate people who are different than me. I notice my posture throughout the day. Also my golf game has improved. People that I golf with are always commenting on my shoulder rotation. I also do not notice the after effects of twisting and rotating. Because of my job, I get to interact with the golfers from the PGA tour and I think it is interesting how many of them are blending yoga into their training programs. Also I recently read that the Notre Dame football team is learning yoga.

Viki: Why do you think more men are not practicing yoga?

Jack: I think most men think that it is not physical enough, not challenging enough and not masculine enough, where actually it is just the opposite. I think most men would be surprised how much strength is involved and how fulfilling it is. It has been so fulfilling for me because I cannot believe how I have progressed and what my body can actually do. I believe some men and women avoid yoga because they are self-conscious. If people could just get over this, they would soon find that it doesn't matter where you are in terms of strength or flexibility. The teachers at Cascade Yoga Studio are great at helping students feel OK about where they are at, and simply progress from there.

Viki: Do you think your practice will have longevity or is this a trend for you?

Jack: I have no doubt that this is a lifetime practice for me, mainly because I cannot imagine a life without it now. I can see myself practicing into my 90's.

Viki: Namaste.

Jack: Namaste.