My husband totally believed I went to yoga class to lay around and stretch a little. Like I paid money to lay around, smell incense and nap.

Then he took a class with me in Vermont aimed at skiers and riders (we were skiers) and he spent half the class lying on the floor.

The rest of us were sun-saluting our way into bliss, toning our upper bodies and stretching like pretzels, and, well, it was really hard. Not what my swimmer, runner and generally athletic husband expected.

Yoga is hard and it can be incredibly challenging. Unlike other athletic endeavors, it is not something that can be conquered or mastered. There is always a harder pose. There is always another mental roadblock.

It is perfect for men. The benefits are extraordinary. Besides increased strength, flexibility and endurance, practicing yoga can prevent injury, enhance your game (seriously, you will rock on the golf course), focus your mind (great for the office) and absolutely recharge your entire body.

Yeah, it is that fabulous. And manly, very manly.

If you want to get your manly yoga groove on, there are many fantastic classes and resources to check out--all aimed directly at you.

• For classes, check out the offerings at your gym or the two local yoga studios, Experience Yoga Studios and Still Point Yoga Center, which offer several classes weekly (and there are plenty of men in class). If you want a class specifically tailored to men, check out the summer series of Yoga for Men at Yoga Child on South Street in Philadelphia (park in the Whole Foods garage).
• If you are looking to improve your performance in a specific sport like golf or train for a marathon, check out Yoga Journal's cross-training online reference.
• If you love your Wii, take some time with the yoga poses in Wii Fit. While this does not take the place of a real yoga class, the alignment and stretching will help condition your body and mind for other endeavors.
• And check out a great read:  Real Men Do Yoga  by John Capouya, which details star athletes and their yoga tips and tricks.