There are many yoga myths and misconceptions.
You may give reasons why yoga can’t be right for you. And yet, here you are, reading about yoga. So maybe, just maybe, you’re willing to give a chance to this amazing, low-impact, all-over-body workout that will make you vastly healthier and happier over time.
Yoga may feel odd and uncomfortable at first. But this is only because we’ve gotten used to not using our bodies the way they were meant to be used. In time, and with routine practice, the poses that once seemed difficult or even impossible will become easier for you as you gain strength and flexibility.
Here are some assumptions people make about yoga that stop them from making this amazingly beneficial holistic health practice a part of their daily lives.
Some people just aren’t flexible enough to do yoga.
The most common of yoga myths! One great thing about yoga is that it’s totally customizable to the individual and his or her ability. A certified yoga instructor will not only show you the correct way to hold postures and breathe so as to avoid accidental injury, but he or she will also encourage you to do the poses to the best of your current ability without putting performance pressure on. So you essentially grow into yoga as you get better at it. There is always something new to challenge you, and to benefit a different area of your body. This includes organ function and breathing!
Yoga is only for “woo woo” types or pagans.
Because of its Eastern origin, some people, especially more devout Christians, see yoga as something taboo, or that upholds religious beliefs that are not aligned with their own. They may even see yoga as sinful. Their reasoning is that yoga may be a stepping stone practice that gives way to impure ways of living. This is simply one of many outdated yoga myths based in fear and ignorance.
Today, yoga is a safe, low-impact form of exercise that can incorporate ancient rituals such as chanting, humming, singing and meditating… but it does not have to. During your yoga practice, you are free to focus your thoughts on whatever you choose. Yoga can certainly be a wonderful, peaceful time for prayer. But it does not have to be.
If anything, people who embrace a routine yoga practice live more peacefully, become more open minded and enjoy healthier relationships. This is simply because yoga relieves stress and makes the body feel good. When we’re relaxed and free from aches and pains, we tend to be more pleasant, gentle and patient in our communication with other people.
Yoga won’t help or make a difference for people with certain health conditions.
Of course, this is something you should speak to your physician about if you have concerns. But overall, yoga is recommended as a gentle form of exercise that can greatly improve your health and lead to fewer symptoms that may or may not be related to underlying or chronic conditions.
One reason this can be the case is that a yoga practice can be tailored to the individual. For example, if you suffer from stress-related high blood pressure, your physician may recommend starting a gentle yoga routine to help you ease your anxiety. Certain poses where the head is positioned lower than the rest of the body may not be recommended. But if you’re currently under a doctor’s care, it may be a good idea to consult with him or her and ask for recommendations for a yoga instructor or holistic practitioner who can help you discover a yoga routine that is right for you.
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