Yoga for men: the Healthy Back class near Athboy
A men-only class of yoga, Pilates and light weights. Built for backs that sit at a desk, drive to work or lift for a living. Tuesday nights at 8.15pm with Emily.
Is yoga good for men?
Yes. Yoga and Pilates build strength, mobility and balance, and every body needs those. Plenty of men put it off because the classes seem to be for someone else. Healthy Back is men only, so that worry is gone.
The class mixes three things. Yoga, for mobility in the hips, back and shoulders. Pilates, for the deep muscles around the spine. And light weights, for the kind of strength you use every day: lifting a bag of feed, a child or a toolbox.
It is made for men who sit at a desk, drive long hours or do heavy work, and for men who play sport and never stretch.
Tuesday at 8.15pm leaves time to get home from work first, even if you are driving in from Navan or Trim. Men are welcome in all our other classes too.
One thing we are careful about. Healthy Back is exercise, not a treatment for back pain or any injury. If you have a back problem, get advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before you start, and tell Emily before class.
What you get from Healthy Back
- Mobility for stiff hips, a tight lower back and rounded shoulders.
- Core and back strength from Pilates, done with control.
- Useful, everyday strength with light weights.
- A looser body for sport, work and the garden.
- One night a week for yourself, in a room of men doing the same.
Do I need to have done yoga before?
No. The class is built for men who have never done yoga or Pilates. Emily starts from the basics, explains every move and shows you an easier option. You do not need to be flexible. Getting looser is part of why you come.
What to expect at your first classWhat to expect at your first Healthy Back class
Come a few minutes early on your first night. Tell Emily about any injury or recent surgery before you start. Fiona confirms the venue and sends directions when you book.
Bring a mat if you have one, and water. Fiona will tell you when you book what else to bring.
Steady. Strength work, mobility, a stretch and a short rest at the end. No chanting.
Shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt. Bare feet on the mat.
When Healthy Back runs
How booking worksHealthy Back runs on Tuesday nights at 8.15pm this term.
Tuesday
Fiona sends the price with the term dates. Taster or drop-in available on request.
Who teaches Healthy Back
Emily Stockley leads Healthy Back. She grew up in Newfoundland, Canada, playing hockey and other sports with her dad and learning music from her mum. Years of hard sport left her tense, and a teacher suggested yoga. She knows what it is like to come to the mat stiff.
Emily moved to Ireland in July 2026 and now calls Co. Meath home. When she is not teaching, she is out running the country roads.
What our community says
Read them all on GoogleStraight from Google. 5.0 from 32 reviews.
Fiona's Restorative Yoga classes are a special experience. She holds a beautiful, safe space with her calming presence, clear guidance, carefully chosen music and spoken word which allows the body to completely relax and the nervous system to settle leaving me feeling totally chill. Love them!
I would highly recommend Grá Wellness run by Fiona, an excellent professional yoga teacher, the best in Co Meath. Fiona creates warm, cozy, welcoming, and serene atmosphere. and is full of positive energy. I have only recently started Yoga, and I am delighted to have found Gra Wellness studio and Fiona.
I have enjoyed Fiona's class over the past 2 years. She brings a mix of gentle flow, stretching and relaxation time to her clases and varies this weekly. She is mindful of making the room space welcoming and calm for her clients and each person is made comfortable and invited to participate at their own pace and level of flexibility.
From the second you walk in the door the relaxing smells, sounds, lighting and Fiona’s open welcome envelop you before class even begins. Such a safe, peaceful, personal space to have those couple of hours to relax in each week. As a newbie to Yoga. Yin and restorative yoga have been the best experience I’ve done for me. I’m only sorry I had not discovered it years ago. Thank you Fiona
The best yoga teacher in Meath I found Fiona last year and haven't missed a term since. Whether you want to sweat, deep stretch or just relax, she's got yoga suitable for everyone. Every space she teaches in is made magic with her energy if you're thinking of trying yoga, definitely go to Grá Wellness
Highly recommend. Fiona plans her classes and terms so well and creates a beautiful calm space where everyone feels welcome. I always look forward to my class knowing that I'll leave feeling grounded and refreshed
Questions about Healthy Back
Why is the class men only?
Most people in our classes are women, and plenty of men would try yoga if they were not the only man in the room. A men-only class takes that worry away. Men are welcome in every other class too.
Will it fix my bad back?
No class can promise that, and we do not treat back pain or injuries. Healthy Back is exercise for strength and mobility. If you have a back problem, get advice from an appropriate healthcare professional first and tell Emily before class.
I'm not flexible at all. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Stiff is normal, and it is the reason the class exists. You work at your own level and it gets easier week by week.
How heavy are the weights?
Light. The weights add a little load to everyday movements. The aim is control and useful strength, not lifting heavy.
Is it yoga or Pilates?
Both, plus light weights. Yoga for mobility, Pilates for core and back strength, and weights for everyday strength.
Is there chanting?
No. Healthy Back is a practical movement class.
How do I sign up?
Message Fiona on WhatsApp or text 087 945 3758. She will send the dates and the price for the term. Taster or drop-in available on request.
Ready to loosen up?
Message Fiona to ask about a place in Healthy Back on Tuesday nights. Questions are welcome.