Beginner Yoga Myths
Busting 8 common myths that have stopped you from trying yoga. By Keith Allen
While more people are doing yoga than ever before, there are still common myths that keep many from trying it for the first time. Most of these misconceptions are to do with ideas about who yoga is, and is not, suited for. However, the beautiful truth is that yoga is truly accessible for anyone and everyone, including you!
Before busting some of these common myths, it’s worth looking at why you would want to practice yoga in the first place. Studies have shown that yoga can have a positive impact on many areas of your life, including your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you’re looking for motivation to get started, consider the array of yoga’s proven benefits.
Physically, yoga can improve sleep quality, reduce and prevent back pain, improve the circulatory and digestive systems, boost your immune system, make you stronger and more flexible, and improve your posture. Mentally and emotionally, it can help decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and increase your focus. Overall, yoga helps you feel better and can greatly improve your state of well-being.
Okay, so why would anyone be reluctant to try yoga? Great question! The reason is usually due to stubborn common myths and misconceptions about the practice. Let’s break these down and put them to rest for good so you can finally jump in and experience the myriad of benefits yoga has to offer.
Busting eight of the most common myths about yoga:
1. I’m not flexible enough
This is one of the most common reasons people give as to why they haven’t tried yoga. However, the good news is you honestly don’t have to be flexible to try yoga! The practice is designed to increase your flexibility, even if you can’t touch your toes (or even come close!) and start your first class feeling as stiff as a board.
If you catch yourself using this as your go-to excuse for avoiding the practice, remember, yoga is designed to work for all bodies and meet you where you are to increase your flexibility, regardless of your current level of stiffness or perceived limitations.
2. I’m too old
News flash: there are no age limits for practicing yoga! While it might seem like you need to be a spring chicken who is able to bend yourself into a pretzel, it’s simply not the case. In fact, yoga is suitable, and even highly beneficial, for the elderly.
While you might have visions of fast-moving, difficult-looking versions of yoga in your mind, there are an array of different styles and intensities which vary widely from one another. There’s something out there that is suitable for all ages and body types. Because of this, you can start at any age, even if you’ve been telling yourself you’re too old.
3. I’m too out of shape
Yoga is an excellent way to get into shape! No matter your body type or previous fitness experience, yoga is a practice that can be adapted to meet you where you are. It can be low-impact and allow your body to slowly build muscle tone as you stretch and lengthen your muscles. Before long, and with some consistent practice, yoga could have you in the best shape of your life!
3. I’m too out of shape
Yoga is an excellent way to get into shape! No matter your body type or previous fitness experience, yoga is a practice that can be adapted to meet you where you are. It can be low-impact and allow your body to slowly build muscle tone as you stretch and lengthen your muscles. Before long, and with some consistent practice, yoga could have you in the best shape of your life!
4. Yoga is only for women
While the modern depiction of yoga might feel like it’s a practice designed for women, it was created over 5,000 years ago in India and was designed for and practiced solely by men. In fact, it wasn’t until around 100 years ago that women began practicing yoga as well. This is why so many men end up surprised at how physically challenging and rigorous certain styles of yoga can be. A more vigorous style of yoga will work your muscles and challenge your whole body. Fortunately, more and more guys are giving yoga a try and realising it can reshape their bodies as well as their minds.
5. Yoga is too spiritual
From the outside, yoga might seem almost religious to some. However, this is simply not the case. While it is, indeed, an ancient practice with a philosophy of mindfulness behind it, many styles and teachers deliver straightforward, fitness-based stretch- and strengthen-type classes focused solely on physicality, and with no elements of spirituality. It’s also true that some yoga styles and teachers do incorporate spiritual elements, but it is by no means the case for all classes, and there are no required belief systems necessary to step onto a yoga mat. So be sure to keep exploring until you find a teacher and style that works for you.
6. You need special equipment and/or clothing to do yoga
Unlike many other sports and/or exercises, yoga is ultimately a minimal practice. The only thing you need to get going is your body and a willingness to try.
Any comfortable clothing will work, including sweatpants and a t-shirt, so you don’t need to be concerned about fancy or specialised clothing. And while a yoga mat seems to be a quintessential part of the practice, you can start at home on the carpet, on grass, or a wood floor with a towel. You can also use books and belts as replacements for a yoga block and strap. If you’re heading to a yoga studio, they will usually have everything you need, such as mats and props which are made available for free or a small fee.
While props, certain clothing, and equipment can enhance the practice over time, you don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new equipment and clothing to try yoga for the first time.
7. I have existing injuries
While injuries keep some people from starting yoga, it is also a reason many people come to yoga, as it has healing capabilities for those recovering from a variety of ailments. Most classes can be modified to keep you safe from your current injuries, help heal them, and even prevent future ones. Strength and alignment-based yoga classes bring you back to optimal health in very real ways, regardless of most pre-existing conditions.
7. I have existing injuries
While injuries keep some people from starting yoga, it is also a reason many people come to yoga, as it has healing capabilities for those recovering from a variety of ailments. Most classes can be modified to keep you safe from your current injuries, help heal them, and even prevent future ones. Strength and alignment-based yoga classes bring you back to optimal health in very real ways, regardless of most pre-existing conditions.
8. I’ll look stupid
Check your ego at the door! Yoga is not about looking a certain way. It’s a deeply individual practice where you get to meet and accept yourself where you are. It is a practice, not a performance, and certainly not something you ever perfect. If you go to a public class, you’ll quickly realise that students simply aren’t concerned about what anyone else is doing. Each person is there for their own individual experience; they recognise that it isn’t a competition. Furthermore, with so many wonderful online yoga options available, you don’t even need to be in front of other people to give yoga a try. You can take beginner classes and programmes from the comfort of your own home, which takes away any fear of judgement from other people.
If one or more of these myths has prevented you from trying yoga in the past, remember: you’re at the perfect place in your life to give it a try! It’s time to leave your excuses behind and gift yourself the many incredible benefits this powerful practice has to offer. Take a deep breath, be brave, and try your first yoga class.
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Keith Allen, instructor extraordinaire
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Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
