Let's face it: there are not many spots on Elon's campus where you will find a room full of guys. But, if you head to Studio 5 in the gym, you will find just that.

Senior Erik Higbee teaches a group exercise class called Broga, which is pretty much what it sounds like: yoga for guys.

Higbee teaches three other yoga classes, but felt there was a need for an all-male class at Elon.

"A lot of guys think yoga is girly," Higbee said. "They just focus on weights. But focusing on a few muscles is how you get hurt. Yoga is a full body workout."

Higbee has a point. The first floor of the gym, utilized primarily by guys, contains almost exclusively weight equipment. Most guys who hit the gym are not headed to a group exercise class, let alone a yoga class. But perhaps they shouldn't be so quick to dismiss exercise that is primarily known for its female participants.

It's not uncommon for professional male athletes to do ballet and yoga as part of their practice routines. In 2005, the cover story of Sports Illustrated revealed the radical training methods of NFL players: among them were ballet, Pilates and yoga.

Coaches of professional male sports teams often encourage their players to participate in these exercises because they increase flexibility, agility and strength.

It seems Elon coaches have followed suit. According to Higbee, athletes are many of his returning students.

"Athletes know that in order to continuously play their best, they can't afford to get hurt," Higbee said. "If they're limber, they're less likely to get hurt."

Elon athletes are not the only guys coming out to Broga. Senior Eric Menchaca usually goes to the gym and plays on intramural teams, but as a friend of Higbee's, he decided to give Broga a shot.

"Before this year I was never really into yoga or any sort of activity like it," Menchaca said. "But after having gone to a number of classes, I've definitely developed an appreciation for it. My favorite thing about the class is how it's more of an unconventional workout."

Broga may be unconventional for the typical male Elon student, but that shouldn't deter him. After all, if you come out for Broga, you'll be practicing like the pros.