Exposing Yoga Myths

Yoga myths are extremely prevalent, but that doesn’t mean we blindly accept them as truth. According to Yoga Alliance,the non-profit who represents the yoga community, yoga has become very popular in the U.S. within the last twenty years and continues to draw people into the ancient practice with over 37 million Americans getting on their mat.

Yoga myths are extremely prevalent, but that doesn’t mean we blindly accept them as truth. According to Yoga Alliance,the non-profit who represents the yoga community, yoga has become very popular in the U.S. within the last twenty years and continues to draw people into the ancient practice with over 37 million Americans getting on their mat.

Yoga is more than bendy poses (asanas).

It is a transformative practice that fosters community, well-being for our planet, and health benefits such as stress reduction and increase in emotional sensitivity towards others.

Here are eight common myths about yoga:

1. You have to be thin to practice yoga: Oh contraire my friend. Yoga is for every body. Size and shape are irrelevant when it comes to the benefits derived from a steady yoga practice.

2. Yoga is for flexible people: Nope. You do not have to touch your toes or twist yourself into pretzel like poses to gain the rewards of yoga. Flexibility will come with the practice of yoga, it is not a prerequisite.

3. You are doing yoga wrong if you can’t do every pose: This is a long withstanding myth. Every body is simply not designed for every pose. There are many factors in determining whether or not you will master king pigeon, including your bone structure which is something that cannot be changed.

4. Yoga is a religion: Simply not true. The origins of yoga are based on spirituality. Yoga encourages compassion towards self, others and the world as a whole. It is accepting of all religions.

5. Yoga is expensive: Maybe this one carries some weight but it is completely dependent on the individual. You don’t need an expensive mat, or any mat. You don’t have to have fancy yoga gear. You don’t even need to step foot in a yoga studio; there are plenty of free youtube classes available.

6. Men don’t do yoga: Yoga was started and practiced by men. The most distinguished yoga gurus are men.

7. People who do yoga are vegetarian/vegan hippies: Not all yogi’s adhere to a vegetarian diet. Nutrient needs are individualistic and your yoga practice will be enhanced by eating foods that promote your overall well-being.

8. Yoga takes too much time: 10 minutes of yoga a day is enough to reap the benefits. You’ll see more progress, the more you practice. As with anything else in life, if you want to improve, make the commitment  and stay as long as you are able.

While these 8 yoga myths are not exclusive, they are delivered with the intent of questioning our own beliefs and challenging the limits we place on ourselves.  Yoga is most beneficial when it is explored from the experience of the one doing yoga. Often times we create tension rather than trusting the process. Yoga is diverse and there is not a single yoga style that will resonate with every person. Yoga is about the exploration of the union between mind|body|spirit. It is rediscovering who we are and returning to a life grounded in joy and spiritual awakening.

Want to give yoga a try but have no idea where to start? You can schedule your individualized yoga session here!