Have you driven by a yoga studio on your way to work and wondered what this yoga thing is all about? More and more people are experiencing the benefits of yoga, from college athletes to your elderly neighbor. With the growing popularity of yoga in the West and with classes springing up at every turn, there are some common myths that need to be dispelled. Hopefully, by understanding some of the most common misconceptions, you can feel a greater sense of ease when you take that first step into the studio.
"Yoga is only for women."
While yoga classes are often more popular with women than men, the benefits of yoga extend to anyone regardless of gender, age, race or walk of life. I have heard male students share of the ways in which yoga has helped heal injuries, reduced stress and tension, built stamina and improved athletic performance. Whether you are looking to build strength, endurance and stability or decompress from a tough day, you can find a yoga class to suit your needs.
"I am not flexible enough for yoga."
Saying that you are not flexible enough for yoga is a bit like saying that you are too hungry to eat. While some people have a natural predisposition to flexibility, most people start out feeling more like the tin man than a Cirque Du Soleil performer. It is also important to remember that while yoga is often associated with flexibility, it also helps in building strength and stability. Don't let your fear of inflexibility deter you from attending a class! Very few people walk into their first yoga class loving pigeon pose. Yoga, unlike many activities in modern society, is not a competition. It is all about building greater awareness and learning to listen to your body. Give yourself the time and the permission to learn the poses and modify them when you need to.
"Yoga is a religion."
Yoga translates to “yolk” or “oneness” and aims to connect your body, mind and spirit. While yoga will make you more aware of yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually, it is not it’s own religion. There are links to Buddhism in yoga but that does not mean you will be subject to strictly Buddhist teachings in your yoga class. Even if you run into things that you disagree with, there is always a way to mold the teachings you hear into something that aligns with your beliefs. The wonderful thing about yoga is that it meets you where you are. If you are looking to lose weight and get in shape, there are plenty of classes that cater to the physicality of the practice. If you are looking to start a meditation practice and learn more about yoga philosophy, there will be classes that will help guide students on that path as well. The key to enjoying your yoga practice is finding the style that feels most appropriate to you.
"I tried (insert pose) once and couldn't do it."
Have you ever found yourself in a twisted and sweaty pile, not knowing your foot from your shoulder while everyone else was gracefully balanced in a handstand? While yoga is for everybody, not every class is appropriate for everyone. There are so many styles and teachers and levels of yoga that you are bound to find one that works for you. Keep trying different styles and teachers and classes and find the one that resonates with you. It is common to walk into a class and feel intimidated. If you tried one class and felt overwhelmed by the poses, know that yoga takes consistent practice and that the more classes you do, the more familiar the poses will become. If you are new to the practice, find a studio that offers an intro class, workshop or series. Find a studio and teacher you feel comfortable with and know that if you do not click with them, there are unlimited other options out there.
"I need at least an hour to reap the benefits."
While an hour or more of practice is ideal, you can reap the benefits even from just five to ten minutes on your mat, or in your office chair, for that matter. If you cannot get in to a class, take a few minutes to practice some of your favorite poses or even just close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. There are many different ways to fit yoga into your life, even with the busiest of schedules.
"Yoga will heal my injuries."
Many people walk into a yoga class on the recommendation of their doctor. While it is so wonderful to see doctors recognizing the benefits of yoga, you have to be careful about which class you are walking into. If you are rehabilitating a shoulder injury, stepping into a Vinyasa class where you will be on your hands for a large portion of class may do more harm than good. When done without mindfulness and care, yoga can exacerbate and even cause injuries. If you are looking for a class to help with a specific injury, do your research. Read articles, find reviews, talk to the instructors and let them know what you have going on. Private yoga lessons also provide a wonderful opportunity to work with a knowledgeable teacher that can assist in your healing process. Find someone with a strong understanding of the body and if you do not feel comfortable with any particular teacher, never feel pressured to attend their class. No matter what injuries you are working with, you will be able to find a class be it an athletic flow class or a relaxing restorative class.
"Yoga is just stretching."
With so many different styles and levels of yoga, you are bound to find one that you love. Some people come to a yoga practice looking to be challenged in an athletic flow. Some people come to a yoga practice looking for a healing and meditative class. Some people want a little of both or just want to experiment because they heard yoga might help them feel better. While a few types of yoga are primarily stretching, many other styles will absolutely challenge your comfort zone. Identify what it is that you are looking for in a yoga class and then do some research on the different styles. Whether you are an athlete, couch potato or weekend warrior, there are plenty of classes that will help you find ease, strength and functionality within your life.
"I cannot afford a $15 drop in rate."
It is no surprise that yoga can be a little pricey. For many, finding a teacher and class they love is well worth the cost but for many others, it is simply not an option. Thankfully, with yoga growing in popularity, it is becoming more widely available. Many yoga stores and organizations will offer free community classes on a weekly or monthly basis. There are numerous websites that allow you to stream full length classes for less than twenty dollars a month. Many times, studios will even offer discounts for students, teachers, military and certain local corporations. There are unlimited books and DVDs available as well but if you are new to the practice, it is helpful to attend at least a few classes so you can have a teacher help you in learning the poses.
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