UCM Student Council is planning a mass yoga class that will take place on International Men’s Day, Tuesday 19th November at the National Sports Centre (NSC). They aim to involve up to 150 men, in order to beat the last record set at the NSC in 2014 where 112 men took part in yoga class.
Kate Bergquist, UCM’s Employability and Skills Co-ordinator who is organising the event together with the Student Council said, “The 19th November is a significant date because it is International Men's Day, which objectives include focusing on men’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and highlighting positive male role models. In recent years in the UK, there has been a positive shift in approach and perception regarding men’s mental health. However, there are still many obstacles that men face, including the societal expectations about how men ‘should’ behave.”
“On this year’s International Men’s Day, we are hoping to break down some of these barriers by encouraging as many men as we can to come together to share a tree pose!” Kate added.
Dave Smyth of Pranashama Yoga Isle of Man who will be leading the session and guiding the men through 30 minutes of yoga said, “Don't worry if you have never done yoga before, as it will be a beginner’s class where all ages and abilities are welcome. The event will provide a great opportunity to raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing, as well as to highlight the International Men’s Day”.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the event (as long as they are male of course). Registration will take place between 10:45am – 11.15am in the NSC Main Sports Hall, and the yoga class will start at 11.30am. Yoga mats will be provided, however, if attendees have their own mat, they are encouraged to bring it along. For any queries, please contact Kate Bergquist Kate.Bergquist@ucm.ac.im