Let’s cut through the incense: yoga isn’t just for vegan Instagrammers and hyper-flexible influencers. From elite athletes to military veterans, more men are turning to yoga not just to get bendy—but to get better. Better mobility. Better focus. Better control under pressure.

And if you’re still on the fence, take it from someone who’s walked both sides: Duncan Peak.

A former military officer and now the founder of Power Living, one of Australia’s biggest yoga schools, Peak knows exactly how transformational the practice can be. “I used to be reactive. Short-tempered. Yoga didn’t just change my body—it rewired the way I respond to stress,” he says in Australian Yoga Journal Issue 53.

The Strength Behind the Stretch

Yes, yoga improves flexibility. But it’s also an incredible strength workout. Holding Warrior II for 90 seconds will challenge your quads more than most leg-day burners. And moves like Chaturanga or Crow Pose hit your core and stabilisers in ways weights can’t touch.

But it’s not just physical.

The Mental Edge

Yoga teaches you to breathe through discomfort—on the mat and in life. That’s a mental skill elite performers pay psychologists thousands to master. “Yoga gave me clarity,” says Peak. “It helps you observe your reactions rather than being controlled by them.”

Whether you’re dealing with job stress, relationship stuff, or just the chaos of life—yoga builds an inner calm most men didn’t know they needed.

What If You’re Not Flexible?

No problem. Flexibility is a byproduct, not a prerequisite. The only thing you need is a willingness to show up. Start with a 20-minute YouTube session or drop in to a beginner-friendly class. You’ll be surprised how fast you progress—and how good your body feels after.

💡 Want to dive deeper into Duncan Peak’s story and his take on spiritual transformation through yoga?
👉 Read the full feature in Australian Yoga Journal Issue 53