Yoga is more than exercise to Tom Fronczak, a licensed psychotherapist and yoga instructor in Providence . "It gives me a way to connect with myself," Fronczak explains. "(Yoga) is very soothing, very calming."

Fronczak, 48, began doing yoga nine years ago. For the past four years, Fronczak has been teaching Vinyasa yoga classes for gay men.

Members come from as far away as Boston to attend the classes. The ages range from men as young as 19 to men in their 60s. The classes, which last 90 minutes each, are held on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. on Thayer St. on Providence’s upscale east side.

The cost per session is $15, which includes a mat. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and a towel with them. The yoga studio is kept very warm, which relaxes the muscles.

Fronczak plays a mix of music to set the mood, including New Age, smooth jazz, and some rhythm and blues. Doing yoga is a way for gays to unwind from the tensions and stress of their everyday lives, and to embrace their own true identities, Fronczak notes.

"Yoga is about self-compassion. It’s about honoring the truth of who we are in this moment," Fronczak says. "It’s a very controlled experience." Fronczak adds that gay men worry about what others think of their bodies, which may prevent them from participating in a yoga class.

"Yoga is about self-compassion. It’s about honoring the truth of who we are in this moment."

"You are not your thoughts," Fronczak comments. "It’s about coming back to a place of love and acceptance."

One does not have to be an Adonis to do yoga. Every person can do poses, and every person’s poses look different. "You move in a way that’s honest and true to yourself," he continues. "It’s about full self-expression."

Fronczak also facilitates a men’s meditation group on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Participants learn how to completely relax their bodies and focus on their breathing. Gay men are accustomed to putting on a mask to the world. Meditation allows one to drop the masks.

"It’s a way to get reconnected with yourself," notes Fronczak. "It’s a very permissive, accepting experience." No prior experience is necessary to be a part of the group, which is free.

Anyone interested in joining can sign up at Fronczak’s Web site www.meditation.meetup.com/461. The yoga and meditation groups are an appealing alternative to the bar scene, and the participants often form friendships by going out for coffee afterward.

"A nice way to meet people socially," the instructor remarks. Fronczak believes exercise can benefit the body and the mind.

For those who claim they have neither the time nor energy to engage in a weekly exercise routine, Fronczak has this to say: "Just try it once. Yoga is about self-compassion. That’s how love starts."

Joe Siegel has written for a number of other GLBT publications, including In newsweekly and Options.