To Dean Pohlman, long-term business success stems from a purpose. His is to help men improve their health and fulfillment through fitness and personal connections. That’s the mission of Man Flow Yoga, the company he founded in 2012, which offers memberships to workout programs and a paid community.
Pohlman, a former college lacrosse player, is an authority on yoga instruction for men and a published author on the topic.
He first appeared on the podcast in 2021. In this our second conversation, he shares client success stories, YouTube tactics, and the “why” behind his business.
The entire audio of our discussion is embedded below. The transcript is edited for length and clarity.
Eric Bandholz: Give us a quick rundown on who you are.
Dean Pohlman: I own a company called Man Flow Yoga. We sell memberships to Yoga workout programs for men.
I’m a former collegiate lacrosse player. I discovered yoga by accident but noticed its benefits after consistent practice. However, I saw that men weren’t engaging with it much, especially because it wasn’t presented in a way that resonated with them. So, I created a brand focusing on fitness-oriented yoga tailored for men. I initially launched a YouTube channel and a Facebook page.
Over time, I developed paid membership workouts for men — primarily those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. They found they couldn’t do their regular workouts due to aging and needed to focus on flexibility and foundational strength. Our programs help with flexibility and alleviate pain in, typically, the lower back, shoulders, and knees. The ultimate goal is to enable men to stay active and independent as long as possible, whether playing with their kids or staying mobile as they age.
I’ve been interviewing members for our podcast, “The Better Man.” One memorable story is from a guy who weighed 300 pounds at the onset of Covid. He started a yoga program alongside daily dog walks and lost 75 pounds within a year. What stands out from these stories is the consistency people find in exercise. They enjoy it and feel good afterward, which encourages them to continue. This creates a ripple effect, where they start improving other areas of their lives like diet or adding in more physical activities.
Bandholz: What do your workout programs look like?
Pohlman: They can be as few as two to three times per week or as many as five or six. Our sessions aren’t long — typically 30 to 40 minutes. We have beginner programs that start at 15 to 20 minutes. People start noticing changes after just a few weeks, especially in how they feel.
For example, back pain disappears. These physical improvements motivate people to stay consistent. When you feel better and have more energy, it’s easier to continue instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, which takes much longer to notice.
Bandholz: You’ve done a great job of building a community.
Pohlman: I’m proud of the Facebook Group we’ve built, though it took a lot of time. It’s a supportive community of about 7,000 men who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and share personal struggles. When someone posts about not being consistent with workouts, they’re met with understanding, not judgment. People relate to the same struggles, which fosters a sense of camaraderie.
I launched the group in 2013, and new members are always welcome. However, to maintain its quality, we keep the group exclusive to paying members — whether they join a challenge, sign up for a full membership, or purchase a book.
We consistently remind members about the community through emails, video mentions, and our 90-day onboarding series. The ongoing engagement keeps people connected and accountable.
Bandholz: How’s your YouTube channel performing?
Pohlman: Despite having over 500,000 subscribers, engagement is relatively low, although new videos typically get 3,000 to 10,000 views in the first week. Some go viral. Our morning yoga videos have recently gained traction. Short-form content is also helping with the algorithm. We went from gaining about 3,000 subscribers monthly to 10,000 last month. Certain topics, like sexual wellness, perform exceptionally well.
Bandholz: Do you collaborate with other brands?
Pohlman: Collaborations need to feel organic. I prefer working with people I genuinely connect with and would hang out with outside of business. One example is Anthony Balduzzi from Fit Father Project. We’ve been collaborating for about two years; our products complement each other. Beyond business, he’s a friend. These types of authentic relationships work well for long-term success, and that’s the approach I take.
Bandholz: What’s your long-term vision for Man Flow Yoga?
Pohlman: I want the business to expand beyond yoga into a broader men’s wellness brand. I’ve started introducing mental and emotional wellness topics on the podcast, but I want to incorporate more of that. We currently offer structured programs via an app and website, but everything is self-paced. I want to introduce more guided support — something more hands-on. While we have customer support and a Facebook Group, a more direct assistance model could benefit our members.
Bandholz: What’s the “why” behind your business?
Pohlman: Many men haven’t done the introspective work to understand their desires and what drives them. It’s about recognizing that the things I truly want — family, freedom, joy — are already within reach. I don’t need to wait for a business milestone to achieve them.
Most men believe they must accomplish something before feeling fulfilled, but that’s a trap. Once you realize you can have what you want, life becomes easier. Authenticity is key. People can sense inauthenticity, and I believe businesses built on genuine connections and purpose are more successful in the long run.
Bandholz: Where can people follow you?
Pohlman: Visit ManFlowYoga.com to get started. You can find me on all the major platforms — YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
