As a yoga teacher of 18 years, I’ve heard every myth and misperception imaginable from people who are convinced they can’t (or would rather not) practice yoga, and I find each one unfortunate.
The truth is, yoga is among the most easy and accessible ways to boost the health of your body and mind simultaneously. And because yoga classes come in many different forms, focused on a variety of objectives, there is undoubtedly a yoga practice for everyone.
With that in mind, let’s break down three common myths about yoga that may be stopping you from giving it a try.
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Myth 1: You Must Be Flexible to Practice Yoga
This is, by far, the most common myth I hear, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Flexibility isn’t a prerequisite for yoga, but yoga does help you become more flexible.
That said, there are so many types of yoga available today — hot yoga, goat yoga, vinyasa yoga, relaxation yoga, puppy yoga, hatha yoga, yin yoga, power yoga — and some will be a better fit for you than others. It can be challenging as a newcomer to know where to even begin.
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Not Flexible? No Problem
If you’re interested in trying yoga but hesitating because you anticipate experiencing some aches and pains, or you’re not very flexible, look for these descriptors:
- Gentle yoga
- Beginner yoga
- Chair yoga
- Accessible yoga
These classes won’t expect a great deal of flexibility, so they’ll likely be a comfortable starting place.
While yoga is meant to provide a challenge, it should not strain your muscles. Doing too much too soon might result in injury, so don’t feel pressured to do more than you can. It’s absolutely OK to adjust the intensity of any yoga posture so that it’s comfortable for you.
For a gentle introduction, try this five minute chair yoga practice.
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Myth 2: Yoga Is Only Done In Studios
You can find yoga classes in studios, gyms, community rec centers, your local library, outdoors, and online.
In-person classes are a good option if you have pets or small children who would be a distraction at home or if your motivation, accountability, and/or form improve in a group setting. If you opt for an in-person class, look for one near your home or work so that travel doesn’t become a roadblock.
If there are no yoga classes near you, if you feel self-conscious about exercising in front of others, or if you just prefer the peace and quiet of being in your own space, you can find lots of yoga instruction online. Look up live-streamed or on-demand yoga classes, or search for beginner-friendly yoga videos on YouTube.
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Myth 3: Yoga Requires Weird Stuff Like Chanting
Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago and has evolved a lot since then. In today’s world, every yoga class is different. You’ll find yoga classes geared toward fitness, balance, healthy aging, mindfulness, breathing, relaxation, philosophy, and more. Some of these may integrate chants into the class, particularly at the beginning and the end, but many do not.
Sanskrit chanting is sometimes used to set a positive intention for the yoga class. For example, chanting "shanti" ("peace") is a reminder to perform the yoga postures in a gentle, peaceful way. Focusing your mind on the pronunciation and pacing of the chant is a way to practice mindfulness, which helps calm the nervous system. If your teacher chants in class, you can choose to chant along with her, listen silently, or focus on something else, like breathing.
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How to Find a Yoga Class That Fits You
Consider asking a trusted friend to recommend their favorite yoga class. Read about the studio and the class on the website to see if they sound like a good fit, and give them a call or send an email if you have questions.
If your first class is a perfect fit, great! If it isn’t, you’ll at least have gained a more specific idea about what you want, and don’t want, in a class. You can try again with another studio, another class, or another teacher.
As I tell my students, even if a class isn’t your absolute favorite, there’s always something to learn, as long as you keep an open mind.
