Every single day, the yoga family is growing larger. And if it was not for some popular myths and misconceptions about yoga, the numbers could have been much more. In spite of all the yoga practitioners and teachers present across the globe some myths persist. Let's see what are these myths and misconceptions about yoga.
Yoga is only for Women
Advertisements have us picturing yoga as an exercise class where skinny girls try to get skinnier. That makes most of us think that yoga is probably only for women, but this is not true. Physical transformation is just one aspect of yoga practice. Yoga practice strengthens our limbs and boosts the functioning of internal organs, which consequently keeps several bodily ailments at bay. Yoga also cleanses our conscience and leads us towards a better life. So, irrespective of your gender and age, you will benefit from yoga like any other person.
I'm Not Flexible Enough to do yoga
Some people have the perception that one should be flexible to do yoga. However, many people are doing yoga to improve body flexibility. It is understandable that initially it is tough to do yoga poses in the right manner; but the main point to remember here is that unlike other exercise routines, nobody expects every yoga practitioner to be at same level of expertise or perfection. Each practitioner can explore the poses within the comfort limits of his or her own body. On regular practice, your flexibility will increase and after a while you will be able to do things you couldn't have imagined before.
I'm Flexible Enough, So I don't Need to do Yoga
Athletes usually have a perfect body and therefore think that they don't need to do yoga since they are already doing exercise on regular basis. But the gym workouts can only shape your body and strengthen body parts, while yoga makes you feel relaxed as well. Besides building a good physique, yoga also help us in building a better mind-body connection, which consequently relieves muscle strain and calms our mind. In addition, the breathing patterns of yoga improve the lungs capacity as no other workout does.
I Can't Spare Time for Yoga Practice
If you really think that it might be hard to spare about one hour every day for yoga practice, then you can shorten your practice session. Do only yoga poses that you consider are most beneficial for you. Also, by shortening the span of each pose you can further reduce it, and maintain the habit of doing yoga on daily basis. And once you have started to develop a liking towards the process, you will always be able to find time to do it.
I Can't Go With the Chanting
While chanting has been an inseparable part of yoga practice since ancient times, but it is not necessary. The reason why chanting has been practiced with yoga is because it helps in building focus. Yoga teachers understand the reluctance of practitioners in doing the chanting and don't put an obligation on their students. But if you give chanting a try and sincerely contemplate the process you will be able to focus more on your practice.
Regardless of the place you have opted for learning yoga, whether you are learning yoga in Goa or in Santa Barbara, you are likely to find people with these misconceptions. Fortunately, everyday truth behind these myths is being uncovered and more people are readily opting for yoga.
Yoga is only for Women
Advertisements have us picturing yoga as an exercise class where skinny girls try to get skinnier. That makes most of us think that yoga is probably only for women, but this is not true. Physical transformation is just one aspect of yoga practice. Yoga practice strengthens our limbs and boosts the functioning of internal organs, which consequently keeps several bodily ailments at bay. Yoga also cleanses our conscience and leads us towards a better life. So, irrespective of your gender and age, you will benefit from yoga like any other person.
I'm Not Flexible Enough to do yoga
Some people have the perception that one should be flexible to do yoga. However, many people are doing yoga to improve body flexibility. It is understandable that initially it is tough to do yoga poses in the right manner; but the main point to remember here is that unlike other exercise routines, nobody expects every yoga practitioner to be at same level of expertise or perfection. Each practitioner can explore the poses within the comfort limits of his or her own body. On regular practice, your flexibility will increase and after a while you will be able to do things you couldn't have imagined before.
I'm Flexible Enough, So I don't Need to do Yoga
Athletes usually have a perfect body and therefore think that they don't need to do yoga since they are already doing exercise on regular basis. But the gym workouts can only shape your body and strengthen body parts, while yoga makes you feel relaxed as well. Besides building a good physique, yoga also help us in building a better mind-body connection, which consequently relieves muscle strain and calms our mind. In addition, the breathing patterns of yoga improve the lungs capacity as no other workout does.
I Can't Spare Time for Yoga Practice
If you really think that it might be hard to spare about one hour every day for yoga practice, then you can shorten your practice session. Do only yoga poses that you consider are most beneficial for you. Also, by shortening the span of each pose you can further reduce it, and maintain the habit of doing yoga on daily basis. And once you have started to develop a liking towards the process, you will always be able to find time to do it.
I Can't Go With the Chanting
While chanting has been an inseparable part of yoga practice since ancient times, but it is not necessary. The reason why chanting has been practiced with yoga is because it helps in building focus. Yoga teachers understand the reluctance of practitioners in doing the chanting and don't put an obligation on their students. But if you give chanting a try and sincerely contemplate the process you will be able to focus more on your practice.
Regardless of the place you have opted for learning yoga, whether you are learning yoga in Goa or in Santa Barbara, you are likely to find people with these misconceptions. Fortunately, everyday truth behind these myths is being uncovered and more people are readily opting for yoga.
SHARE
