Dispelling Yoga Myths

If you didn’t know a thing about yoga and weren’t under the assumption it wasn’t for you because you are not flexible or that it is too slow or that it is too expensive or somehow too exclusive, would you try it? I hope you said a very enthusiastic yes because all of the things mentioned above are only partial truths or not true at all. Let me dispel some of the common misconceptions behind yoga.

Yoga requires flexibility I do not possess.

It may seem that you just were not born flexible. What is likely closer to the truth though is that no two individuals are designed exactly the same. This goes for everything from the color of your eyes to your bone structure. Even identical twins can be majorly different. So maybe you are someone who’s bone structure will never allow you to do some of the more hip opening poses which could have little to nothing to do with your flexibility. Don’t let that discourage you. You still gain many benefits of yoga even if you don’t look exactly like the image you have in your head of how a particular pose should look. Bone structure aside, if the real issue is your flexibility, yoga could be just what you need. You might surprise yourself on how far you can come with a regular consistent practice.

Yoga too exclusive.

In truth, yoga is for everybody, regardless of age, size, shape, gender, sexual orientation, yoga does not discriminate. Yoga offerings come in all shapes and size as do the yogis that practice it. From Prenatal to Restorative, yoga begins in the womb and can go on until you take your last breath if you allow it. We see more and more yoga emerging for children to teens to seniors and everywhere in between. Yes, if you open up any social media site, and type in yoga, you may see something perceived to be a perfected bikini bodied yogi, upside down, in the most impossible pose. It is okay to awe at this sight. I know I do. The truth though is those images are not the total embodiment of yoga. Yoga in its purest sense is a whole way of living not just an impossible asana (pose). Keep in mind what the media shows us, even if it is social media, it is not always reality. How long have women struggle with negative body image because of what the media throws at us? It is the same with yoga. Don’t let what see tell the yoga story. Go out and seek out your own yoga experience personally.

Yoga is too slow or is just stretching

Yes, yoga can be slow. It can be vigorous as well. If you don’t think so, try a Vinyasana flow class. It is a flow of one pose to the next and if you are doing this for an hour to an hour and half, you will definitely feel the results when you are done. Don’t be fooled though, even a Yin class can leave you feeling parts of your body you didn’t even realize were suffering from lack of movement. Yoga has many different offerings. If one seems too slow for your taste, do some research and try another. Before you do though, sit with that Yin class and see what it might teach you about your body and what it needs. You might be surprised to find that it could benefit you greatly to slow down.

Yoga is expensive.

Yes and no. At $20 a class, it can be expensive. Ironically, yoga instructors and studios are far from getting rich on those high session fees. That aside, there are many ways to get your yoga on, cheap or even free. Consider some of these options.

• Check out local community offerings. Many community centers offer yoga for low fees.
• How about a local community college’s extension courses? Those flyers that come in the form of junk mail offer many different 8 week courses on yoga that can be quite affordable.
• Do you have a gym membership? Gyms offer yoga classes. They’re not my first choice as they tend to be more athletic based but it will give a little taste of the yoga experience.
• You Tube – There are so many great offerings online for yoga. Some of my favorite online yoga instructors are The Journey Junkie, Yoga with Adriene, and Yoga by Candice.
• Meet Up – Search for yoga in your area. I seen lots of donation based Yoga in the Park.
• What great deals does Groupon have to offer? This one is my favorite Spiral Path Yoga

There many of different resources for yoga so do not let the perceived cost stop you. Be determined and find the class that is right for you.

Now that I have put your initial concerns to rest, go out and try some yoga. Do it in your home or gym or at a park. Find a class that suits your need to be athletic or slow down and contemplate, then try a class that it just the opposite for balance. Close your eyes and feel into your body, not judging how you look. Most of all open your mind to the yoga experience, that is just right for you.