Real Men Do Christian Yoga

A Top Gun Embraces Christian Yoga

Judi Morgan and Rich Baumann

Rich Baumann seldom shies away from a hard workout.

Retired as an Air Force fighter pilot, Rich is accustomed to physical fitness. He maintains a solid gym schedule, working out 3-4 times a week to target different muscle groups.

Yet something was missing from this 47-year old Top Gun’s physical conditioning: balance and flexibility. Rich discovered Christian Yoga 21 months ago through his girlfriend, Yahweh Yoga teacher Judi Morgan, and now considers it the bedrock of his workout regime.

“I have come to love yoga,” says Rich. “It is a great physical workout that I look forward to every week.”

Why Christian Yoga?

Rich has taken yoga classes at other studios and settings, but finds that practicing at Yahweh Yoga gives his workout a bonus.

“As a Christian man, I find a Christian setting to be the perfect complement to yoga,” Rich says. “God encourages us and expects us to take care of our physical bodies. I also love the fellowship of the other students as we practice Christ-based yoga together.”

Rich’s Favorite Classes

Of all the classes offered at Yahweh Yoga, Rich finds that Courtney’s Faithful Flow and Praise Power are the most challenging. “Those classes totally take it out of me!” Rich says. “DeAnna also does great core work in her Gentle Flow Journey class.”

Words for Other Men

For other men who may be interested in Christian Yoga, but are unsure if it is right for them, Rich offers this perspective: “You can begin at whatever level makes you comfortable, and progress from there-you can always find a class that challenges your abilities so that you will continue to grow.”

What about concerns that Christian Yoga classes are mostly for women? Rich dismisses those notions. “Real men do yoga,” he says. “I have so much fun, I keep wanting to come back every week.”