Broga Classes Headed to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Man doing yoga image via shutterstock

When you think of The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, visions of luxurious treatments usually come to mind. Well now, the spa is offering an unexpected fitness option for men: Broga, aka, “Yoga for Bros.”

Broga was founded in Massachusetts by Robert Sidoti, who lives in Martha’s Vineyard, and Adam O’Neill, who lives in Winthrop. The classes were developed to make yoga more appealing, accessible, and beneficial for men.

We all know some men who say that one of the benefits of going to yoga is to be around all the women. Russell Simmons famously said that he started practicing yoga because that’s where all the hot women are. But if you prefer to focus on your workout and not how amazing yoga pants can make a woman’s derriere look, then fellas, this is the class for you.

It’s a high-intensity strength workout that has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, circulation, and reduce stress. The classes are straightforward, physical, accessible, and instructors aim to be clear and concise, says Broga teacher Matt Morin, who’ll be leading classes at the Mandarin.

“The Broga approach is really unique,” Morin says. “The classes combine traditional yoga with functional fitness exercises. The result is a practice that builds muscle, improves flexibility, reduces the risk of injury, relieves stress, and improves balance.”

Broga classes started January 15. Group classes are 60 minutes and take place every Saturday at 1 p.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. for $35 a session. Private Broga sessions are also available for $100.

Though Broga is “optimized for men,” women are more than welcome. “Many women appreciate the unique strength elements and strenuous cardio aspects that Broga provides,” Morin says.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, 617-535-8820