Spring has finally come out of hibernation—and honey, so have I. The daffodils are blooming, the sun is beaming, and this bodybuilder-slash-coach is turning his Hudson Valley deck into an outdoor temple of sweat, strength, and stretchy pants. That’s right, boys—it’s outdoor yoga season. And no, yoga for men doesn’t have to mean humming quietly in a candlelit studio. It can be loud, proud, and full of fire (and glutes).
From Iron to Om: A Bodybuilder’s Guide to Yoga for Men – Bodybuilding 101 with Coach Maxwell Alexander – Presented by GUY STYLE MAG (18+)
Let’s be real: most guys, especially those of us who’ve spent years grinding in the gym, are about as flexible as a two-day-old protein bar. But don’t let that stop you. In fact, I’ve made it my mission to fuse traditional yoga with bodyweight exercises that not only increase mobility, but give you that burn in all the right places.
My Spring Flow: Sweat, Sun & a Lot of Sass
My session starts with pushups on an elevated surface, like the stairs on my deck. It’s the perfect warm-up—elevated enough to engage the chest, core, and ego.
Then, for a little extra challenge (because why not?), I flip the angle and perform decline pushups, giving the pecs a pump that’d make a Greek statue jealous.
Next up is a mash-up of plank hand thrusts and alternating leg and hand lifts—and yes, I’m aware those aren’t the technical names, but you get the point. They fire up the core, shoulders, and balance like nothing else. (Refer to the photos, babes—I’m not just making this up.)
Chair Pose and Booty Goals
Then comes Chair Pose, one of my absolute favorites. Not only does it scorch the thighs and build balance, but it gives those glutes a reason to pop. And let’s be honest: when you’re rocking Ergowear pouch leggings, you want the world to appreciate your hard work from every angle.
Speaking of balance, Tree Pose is where things get… interesting. Picture this: a jacked dude in hot pink lycra, wobbling like a baby giraffe trying to flirt with a flower. It’s harder than it looks, fellas—and if you’ve ever tried to plant one foot into your inner thigh while clenching your core and looking majestic, you know the struggle. But hey, vulnerability builds strength—and a great Instagram story.
Vitamin D, Infrared Vibes & Divine Energy
One of the best parts of practicing yoga for men outdoors is the exposure to sunlight—not just for the tan, but for that delicious Vitamin D and infrared radiation that helps your body produce more melatonin and testosterone.
Yep, sunlight isn’t just for selfies—it boosts your wellness, energy, and even your sleep. Who knew being a glowing sun goddess could be part of your gains and keeps your balls happy?
I always finish my session with a sun salutation at sunset, taking a deep breath, feeling grateful, and doing one final Tree Pose—hopefully without falling on my face this time.
Natural Bodybuilding, Testosterone, and the Yoga Connection
As a natural bodybuilding coach, I’m here to break a little myth: it’s not all about barbells and chicken breasts. To build a strong, aesthetic body naturally, you need more than just resistance—you need recovery, balance, and hormone harmony. That’s where yoga and outdoor workouts come in clutch.
Lifting heavy stresses the nervous system, and without proper recovery, you’re not optimizing your gains. Yoga for men—especially tight, muscle-bound beasts like us—increases mobility, reduces inflammation, and promotes blood flow, all of which support better lifts and fewer injuries.
But let’s talk testosterone, because this is where it gets sexy.
Spending time outdoors, moving your body in natural light (especially shirtless if you dare), is scientifically linked to increased testosterone levels. Combine that with breath-focused yoga, which lowers cortisol (aka the hormone that blocks T production), and you’ve got a powerful anabolic combo. Think of it as a natural hormonal reset—no injections, just intention.
Outdoor yoga also sharpens the mental game. It calms the mind, supports sleep, and reconnects you with your “why.” That means you walk back into the gym focused, recovered, and hormonally primed to crush your next session.
So yeah, real bodybuilders do yoga—and real men make testosterone the natural way.
Real Men Wear Pink (and Ergonomic Pouch Leggings)
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the yoga class: my outfit. Yes, it’s bright. Yes, it’s tight. And YES, it’s fabulous. My go-to is the vibrant, body-hugging, glute-accentuating Ergowear leggings, because when you feel good, you look good. Real men don’t just wear pink—they own it. Confidence is the sexiest muscle you can flex.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just dipping your protein-packed toes into the world of yoga for men, let this be your sign to embrace the stretch, soak in the sun, and maybe fall over in Tree Pose a few times. It’s all part of the glow-up.
