(Post updated on January 30th 2019.)
Common myths about yoga
Thinking about taking on yoga?
Great decision!
Probably, one of the best decisions you will make in your life.
But wait a minute… What about all those things you hear about yoga that put you off?
Let me tell you what I have found to be the four most common myths about yoga that you should definitely discard.
Before I start, I will let you into a secret. Nowadays, I live and breathe yoga, however, once upon a time, I also believed in all these myths, but practice proved me wrong.
Let’s get you started.
1 – Yoga is boring and a light workout
This is the first common myths about yoga, which I believe keeps many from trying it. If you are used to spinning, kickboxing, or any intense cardio workouts, you may need to adjust your mindset.
Unless you practice in the tropics or attend a Bikram class, chances are you will not walk out of a yoga class dripping in sweat. By the way, Bikram yoga is one of the various types of hot yoga, where the room temperature and humidity are set to replicate Indian climate.
Back to the point…
There is nothing boring about yoga. On the contrary, it can be quite challenging. Although very harmonious, the flow of asanas (yoga poses) are quite dynamic. They activate the flow of blood and oxygen in the body and the long pauses in each pose stimulate strength, balance and flexibility.
At the end of practice you will be relaxed, energized and in a good mood and your body will feel that it has worked.
“Happiness is not something ready made.
It comes from your own actions.”.
2 – Yoga is a fitness modality
Another common myth about yoga. Let’s make this clear: yoga is not fitness. It is a way of life.
If you think yoga is just another fitness alternative offered in the gym, think again. Yoga is a way of life, based on 6 pillars: relaxation, proper breathing, physical practice (asanas), proper eating, positive thinking and meditation.
The practice of yoga leads to a calm and balanced mind, a healthy body and elevated vibration, ultimately leading to blissful happiness.
3 -Yoga is for thin, fit and flexible people
This is another one of the common myths about yoga. When you search the Internet for the term yoga you will end up mostly with images of elaborate and apparently acrobatic positions performed by mostly women and men with slim, flexible yet strong bodies.
Many of the more demanding yoga poses have variations to fit the physical capabilities and flexibility of different body types. Strength, flexibility and balance are a consequence of the practice.
With time, there will be evolution, especially when you understand that more flexibility does not come from pushing harder, instead, it comes from relaxation. When that happens, progression into full poses will come naturally and smoothly.
One of the first things I learned in a yoga class is that it is not a competition with others or with ourselves. Yoga is about practice and evolution within the practice.
4 – Yoga is for alternative, hippie, rabbit-food eaters
On the opposite side of the common myths about yoga, is the belief that yoga is for alternative people, for the “granola eaters”, as I once heard in a movie.
Where, should I start?
No, it is not.
More and more people of all ages and walks of life are starting to practice yoga. Among yoga followers, besides the alternative, hippie, rabbit-food eaters, you will also find people from the corporate, banking and all sectors of the business world. It makes sense.
Yoga gives balance and makes us feel good. Give it a chance and watch your world gradually change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are thinking about starting to practice yoga, I hope this brief demystification about common myths about yoga will help and inspire you to hop on the mat and start this life-transforming practice.
On the other hand, if you already practice yoga but haven’t been properly introduced, my wish is that you start looking at yoga with more profound eyes.
If, however you are a serious yoga practitioner and aficionado, I am not teaching you anything, but maybe you have something to teach me. If this is the case, please leave your contribution in the comments below. I would love to know what yoga means to you.
Before closing, I want to suggest a yoga book called Yoga Your Home Practice. This book is my Yoga bible! It introduces the five principles for physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, positive thinking and meditation. It also explains each of the 12 basic asanas (poses) and their variations with comprehensive photography and explanations of the benefits of each pose.
If you want to have a more practical experience and take it to a different level, I suggest you try a yoga retreat.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioner, yoga retreats are a great way to combine yoga practice with additional activities and good relaxation.
I have written a post about the benefits of going on a Yoga Retreat, that you may want to check out.
Check out the vast offer of yoga retreats around the worLD here or make a search below.
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