Eddie George recalls that when he started doing yoga while with Tennessee seven years ago, “The perception was that it was a girl thing.”

But if you are 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds and embarking on a career as a professional running back, you’re in position to change perceptions — which Eddie did.

Eddie started his yoga path with the help of Nashville yoga instructor Hilary Lindsay.

“I thought, he’s an amazing athlete, what could I possibly teach him?” said Hilary. “But when he couldn’t even touch his knees, I thought, ‘Yes! This guy needs me.’”

Eddie says yoga increases his strength, endurance and flexibility, makes him more elusive and prevents injury — he hasn’t missed a start in nine seasons. And by now, everyone knows yoga isn’t just for girls. Last year, Eddie was even on the cover of Real Men Do Yoga magazine.

“If you’re comfortable with yourself, it shouldn’t matter if a class is all guys or if you’re the only guy,” says Eddie. “Yoga’s just good for you.”

Read more about Eddie George’s love for yoga at BlackDoctor.Org.

BET Health News - We go beyond the music and entertainment world to bring you important medical information and health-related tips of special relevance to Blacks in the U.S. and around the world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

  (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images For DirecTV)