Yoga Myths

Apparently, I’m on a fitness myth-busting mission recently. Make sure you check out my previous myth versus reality articles, Exercise Myths and Common Diet and Nutrition Myths. Today we separate fact from fiction regarding one of my favorite subjects: Yoga.

The word probably conjures images of skinny women in fashionable yoga pants twisting their bodies into a variety of pretzel shapes. Don’t let that image deter you. Yoga is a 5,000 year-old practice. Certainly for it to have thrived for so many years there must be something to all of that meditation and funky poses.

Modern research is finally starting to catch up with what centuries of yoga practitioners have known. Yoga is GOOD FOR YOU. Yoga has a whole list of proven health benefits, including increased flexibility, lower blood pressure, and decreased cholesterol levels. Also, yoga relieves the symptoms of asthma, back pain, and arthritis.

In spite of all the evidence, people still hesitate to walk into the yoga class at their local gym. Never fear! Wo40 is here to bust through the common yoga myths and misperceptions.

Myth: You have to be flexible to practice yoga.

Reality: Yoga does have a lot to do with flexibility, but that doesn’t mean that if you aren’t flexible you can’t practice yoga -- or that if you are flexible it will be easy. Yoga is an individual practice. Everyone is at a different place and while some postures may come easier for others, there is no competition with yourself or anyone else. Besides, if you think you are too inflexible to try a yoga class, how will your flexibility ever improve if you don’t try something? Yoga is an effective way to get started with improving your body’s flexibility.

Myth: Yoga is a religion.

Reality: While some people approach their yoga practice from a spiritual perspective, yoga in and of itself is not a religion. Yoga has no deity to worship. It has no creed or statement of faith. Yoga has no ordained clergy or priesthood, and there is no system of temples or churches.

The meditative aspect of yoga, may cause some people to think of yoga as a religion. Meditation through Yoga should be looked at as a time to quiet the mind and connect with your breath. It is not meant to be a time to connect with the Divine, unless that is how you wish to approach it.

Myth: Yoga isn’t a “real workout”.

Reality: Yoga is an effective way to strengthen and tone the muscles of your entire body, as well as burn calories. If you think yoga isn’t tiring and challenging, you’ve probably never attended a yoga class. There are also many forms of yoga out there, some are more focused on meditation and breathing, while others are more physically taxing. Besides, have you ever seen Madonna’s arms? Yowza!