He is a sailor and kite surfer. He's been with YogaJak from the very beginning and regularly comes along to two classes a week.
"I've noticed since starting Yoga that I've had faster recoveries from sporting injuries. Sometimes when you come off a board, you might be travelling at 15-20 knots. That can hurt when you hit the water, especially as you get older! Yoga helps keeps things loose, but has also helped with my core strength which is important for kite surfing as well as life in general. I'm much more flexible all over and always see constant progress. I've even learned how to meditate successfully! Steve is down to earth, really easy to talk to and very understanding of each person's personal capabilities."
Matt is 47 years old and self employed, working in the family pest control business with his fiance. He has four children, plays football as goal keeper and does the occasional jujitsu. Matt has been practising yoga for 2 years.
"It didn't take me long at all to get more flexible, after each class I felt stretched out and ready for the day. I dig a lot of trenches in my line of work so generally come home feeling sore and tired, but the classes have helped heaps. I had never been any good at meditating - nor seen the point, but after practising savasana at the end of Steve's classes, I know how to clear my mind and relax and sometimes without falling asleep! I've noticed that during the day I'm less stressed after a Yoga session, this is good as being self employed can get a bit stressful!
Steve is a top bloke, very enthusiastic about yoga and its benefits, I like that YogaJak is dedicated to Men's Yoga. There are a lot of female only and mixed classes out there, but to know you're coming into a relaxed group of guys in the same boat, who've usually never done yoga before, makes it more appealing, no risk of embarrassing myself! And it's not just about turning up to do the moves, there's a banter, coffee, chats, jokes and mates. I'd recommend it to any bloke out there thinking of giving it a try."
Chris is a 45 year old Mechanical Engineer and a father of five. He has recently joined the blokes at YogaJak and now comes every Saturday morning.
"I've recently started attending Steve's yoga sessions and already feeling the benefits such as less aching and more flexibility. At 45 yrs old I'm no spring chicken, any help I can get to decrease the aches and pains I feel when I get out of bed in the morning then I'm happy to give it a go.
I'm a mechanical engineer by trade, so my day is busy and the majority of it I'm on my feet. I'm trying to change the habit of coming home after a long busy day and reaching for a beer. I've now started to look forward to my Saturday morning yoga sessions with Steve and the added bonus is the social side of things, it's great to catch up with the lads over a coffee after a good session of yoga. Highly recommended with a top bunch of lads, you'll not only end up with the benefits of yoga but leave with some new buddies."
"I did a yoga session with YogaJak on a Monday morning, and it was probably the best yoga session I have done. I almost didn't go because I felt too busy, but I went anyway, and since then I have been feeling amazing and getting a lot more done in less time because I feel so energised and good!!! I really enjoy the classes and I know that any guy that comes along to this will be pleased that they did." ANDREW
"I have less aches and injuries now, I haven’t looked back since starting yoga.Controlling my breath on the mat helps me to keep calm and keep stress in check in the ‘real’ world. Learning to control my breathing helps keep me calm in all sorts of ‘stressful’ situations. I now stretch out at home if I’m feeling tired or worn out." NEIL
"After spending years working behind a desk, only a few weeks of Yoga have relieved me of all the little aches and pains that used to be part of my life - no more pain when getting out of bed! No chanting! At all! Just meditation and yoga with a bunch of guys who are there for the same reason as me saves the embarrassment when an injury prevents the odd twist!" SOENKE
"Yogajak is something my mind craves for each week.With a demanding schedule, this practice keeps me functioning and working at a high level, otherwise I will look 'drained' to others. What do i like about the classes?It's all men, so I can just be myself!" FIAZ
"Going through a messy divorce, yoga helps me not just physically but mentally to deal with life after separation from my kids and new life. Physically it helps with my medical condition and improves my movement without the strain of overdoing it Look forward to it every week. I enjoy the classes as it's the boys club without the ego of a gym and every participant is there for the same reason no matter of your physical capabilities, we have a good laugh and no judgement." SCOTTY
"Every morning I would struggle to put my socks & work boots on, now after yoga every week I can put them on without hassle.I used to be easily annoyed, especially while driving. Yoga keeps me calm and less stressed over the week. As a guy getting past the stigma of "yoga is for women" Steve's class removes that by creating a casual and supportive environment for like minded guys trying to better themselves.Having a few laughs with the boys or taking a nap at the end of the class, who cares? "Hey it's your yoga" JADE
"I have noticed simple things, like it is easier to squat and that my aching is less after some other exercises The pace we go at, and that you let us go at our own pace, you push us but not beyond our individual limits." KIRK
"Great bunch of guys - I never thought I’d enjoy yoga this much! Thanks Steve!" TRENT "My hips feel more open since starting Yoga." PETE
"I’ve always had tight hamstrings, but they’re improving since I started yoga classes. I’m amazed at my progress!" PAUL
"My golf swing is better than ever and my physio bill has disappeared. Blokes only got me in the door and then the relaxed atmosphere and benefits of exercise kept me coming back." CRAIG
"Tightness in my body has only come on over the past few years. Yoga has helped me enormously. Yoga can undo the stress of sitting down all day. My wife has commented that I am complaining less (about being sore!) YogaJak unkinks my body! I feel better after Yoga. I have more energy after Yoga. I highly recommend Yoga to any male that feels a bit sore or tight." ANDREW
"I noticed the body is far more flexible and less tight after a hard days work or a surf! Definitely for the mind, more so than I thought it would, my head is much clearer when I am going to Yoga. I enjoy the time to just focus on yourself and being around like minded people is really good." ROB
"I definitely feel less stiff after a yoga session at the end of a busy week. Since starting the classes my back feels in better shape and I’m now getting a better nights sleep because of it. The relaxed atmosphere and banter always makes the classes more enjoyable. A good session followed by a coffee after is always a great way to start the weekend." CHRIS
"I feel stronger in body and calmer in mind. I enjoy the fact we all challenge ourselves in our own way and to our own level without feeling out of place." NEIL
"Steve helped me through my first class - a combination of balance and core stability." DAVID
"Just completed my first 'real' Yoga class at age 47. Awesome, great class, instructor explains poses clearly, came away feeling great, here starts my Yoga journey!" PAUL