Have you heard this more than once from friends and maybe your health professional. They have told you,
”You should do Yoga. It will help you be more flexible, avoid many of the aches and pains of aging, and will definitely relax your mind.”
Until now, you have not pursued starting, or restarting, a yoga practice. This could be because of one, or more, of the following myths and misconceptions surrounding what Yoga really is is.
1. THE MYTH
You have to be young, thin, and extremely flexible to do yoga.
THE TRUTH
Those pictured in the magazines or on TV commercials are most likely to be ex-gymnasts OR they are advanced yogis demonstrating poses that only a small percentage of all yoga practitioners could possible execute. The majority of Boomers and Beyond who are doing yoga are of all ages, sizes, shapes and fitness levels.
Twisting our bodies into pretzel-like shapes is never, ever required.
2. THE MYTH
Yoga is too far out; they’ll make you chant or do something weird. And it is probably too hard for me. I might get hurt.
THE TRUTH
In our modern, westernized world yoga is made to be mainstream. You won’t be out of your element in a yoga class, as long as you find the right one for YOU.
While it is true some classes may include chanting or other more traditional parts of yoga, every teacher is different and styles of yoga do vary.
The intensity or the physicality can be anywhere from highly athletic to very gentle or restorative. For those who can nolong easily get up and down off the floor, Chair Yoga is a viable option, giving you the same benefits as a regular class.
3. THE MYTH
It’s too much work to find the right class for me.
THE TRUTH:
You can ask around for suggestions and just take a chance, or you might do further research, but it will be well worth it. If possible talk directly to a potential teacher and ask questions about their training and experience and the level of the class.
It is best to start with a beginners series, or take a few individual, private classes to begin to learn yoga. It can be discouraging, and sometimes unsafe, to jump right into a class that may move too quickly, a class where you are not being taught yoga but rather required to just follow the leader.
4. THE MYTH
I can’t afford it.
THE TRUTH
If you join a gym, yoga is most often included in the price. If you take yoga at a studio dedicated to only teaching yoga, one group class may cost between $10 and $20. But the fee may be seen as a real bargain, especially when you consider how much better you will feel after class, comparing it to perhaps a $70 massage.
5. THE MYTH
Yoga is a religion which may be in conflict with my own religious affiliation.
THE TRUTH:
Yoga is not a religion. There is no church, no preaching, no doctrines or creeds.
You can use your yoga practice for the sole purpose of getting a great work out, while at the same time calming your mind. However, as your yoga practice develops, you may find you just naturally want to further explore the spiritual side of your nature. especially if it has been dormant or slow to develop.
If you are now ready to start doing Yoga. let go of the myths that have been holding you back and begin to reap the benefits of this ancient, complete system of self-improvement.
YOGA WORKS; YOU JUST HAVE TO DO IT