For Dean Pohlman, long-term business success comes from purpose. His purpose is to improve men’s health and fulfillment through fitness and personal connection. That’s the mission of Man Flow Yoga, a company he founded in 2012 that offers workout programs and paid community memberships.
Paulman, a former college lacrosse player, is an authority on yoga instruction for men and has written a book on the subject. he appeared first In our second conversation, we talked about client success stories, YouTube strategies, and the “why” behind the business.
The entire audio of our conversation is embedded below. The transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Eric Bandholz: Please briefly describe yourself.
Dean Pohlman: I run a company called Man Flow Yoga. We are selling memberships to our yoga workout program for men.
I’m a former college lacrosse player. I discovered yoga by chance, but after consistent practice, I realized its benefits. However, we found that men were less interested because it wasn’t presented in a way that particularly resonated with men. So I started a brand that focuses on fitness yoga for men. First of all, we launched a YouTube channel and a Facebook page.
Over time, we developed a paid membership workout primarily aimed at men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. They realized that as they got older they could no longer train normally and needed to focus on flexibility and basic strength. Our program increases flexibility and typically reduces pain in the lower back, shoulders, knees, and more. The ultimate goal is to help men remain active and independent for as long as possible, including playing with children and becoming more mobile as they age.
I interviewed the members of the podcast. ”better man” One memorable story is of a man who weighed 300 pounds at the onset of COVID-19. I started a yoga program alongside my daily dog walks and lost 75 pounds within a year. What stands out in these stories is that people find consistency in exercise. They enjoy it and feel good afterwards, which encourages them to keep going. This creates a ripple effect and you begin to improve other areas of your life, such as your diet and adding physical activity.
Bandholz: What is your workout program like?
Polman: It may be as little as 2-3 times a week, or as many as 5-6 times a week. Our sessions are not long, usually 30-40 minutes. We also have programs for beginners that last about 15 to 20 minutes. People begin to notice changes in their mood after just a few weeks.
For example, lower back pain disappears. These physical improvements motivate people to be consistent. When you feel good and have more energy, it’s easier to keep going than focusing solely on aesthetics, which can take longer to notice.
Bandholz: You’ve done a great job of building a community.
Polman: It took a long time, but I’m proud of the Facebook group we built. it is supportive community Approximately 7,000 men who are not afraid to be vulnerable and share their personal struggles. When someone posts that their workouts aren’t consistent, you’ll get understanding instead of criticism. People share the same struggle, which fosters camaraderie.
We started the group in 2013 and new members are always welcome. However, to maintain quality, the group is limited to paying members only, whether you take part in a challenge, sign up for a full membership, or purchase a book.
We constantly remind our members about our community through emails, video mentions, and a 90-day onboarding series. Continuous engagement keeps people connected and accountable.
Bandholz: How is your YouTube channel performing?
Polman: Despite having over 500,000 subscribers, engagement is low. relatively lowHowever, new videos typically get between 3,000 and 10,000 views in the first week. Some are infected with viruses. Lately, morning yoga videos have been gaining a lot of attention. short-form content He also contributes to the algorithm. We used to get about 3,000 subscribers a month, which has grown to 10,000 in the last month. specific topics etc. sexual healthperforms very well.
Bandholz: Do you collaborate with other brands?
Polman: Collaboration should feel organic. I like working with people I really connect with and spend time with outside of business. One example is Anthony Balduzzi. fit father project. We have been working together for about two years. Our products complement each other. Beyond business, he is a friend. Authentic relationships like this are effective for long-term success, and that’s the approach I take.
Bandholz: What is the long-term vision for Manflow Yoga?
Polman: I want to expand this business beyond yoga into a broader men’s wellness brand. I’ve started covering mental and emotional wellness topics on my podcast, and I’d like to incorporate more of that. We currently offer structured programs through our app and website, all at your own pace. I would like to introduce more hands-on guided support. Although we have customer support and a Facebook group, our members may benefit from a more direct assistance model.
Bandholz: What is the “why” behind your business?
Polman: Many men don’t do the introspective work to understand their desires and what drives them. It’s about realizing that what I really want, family, freedom, and joy, is already within reach. You don’t have to wait for business milestones to achieve them.
Most men believe they have to accomplish something before they feel fulfilled, but that’s a trap. Life becomes easier when you know you can get what you want. Reliability is key. I believe that people can feel inauthentic and that businesses built on authentic connection and purpose are more successful in the long run.
Bandholz: Where can people follow you?
Polman: visit ManFlowYoga.com To get started. You can find me on all major platforms — YouTube, Instagram, facebookand TikTok.
