I want to write this blog around the Myths of Yoga because I feel a lot of people have judgements or first initial thoughts when they think of Yoga / Yoga Teachers…
Misconceptions of Yoga can make people think that yoga isn’t for them, even though they would love to practice one day… it can make people never step on a Yoga mat or even try Yoga.
I have had so many people say to me “Aww I would never be able to do Yoga, I’m just not flexible enough” or “You have to be a vegan to practice Yoga”… these are just a couple of things people have said to me on their first initial thoughts of Yoga, especially before doing a class. Some of these myths have developed over the years and I have no idea why?
I’m going to share some truths around Yoga myths and some of the things people think that Yoga is all about.
Myth 1: You have to be flexible to practice Yoga
Ok this one is the most popular, it's so not true… personally i am not a flexible person, Yoga has helped build my flexibility and increase strength in areas of my body.
I often have people tell me at the start of their class “I may not be very good at Yoga as I’m not flexible enough, I can’t touch my toes” … I always say wait till you have done your class and see what you can do.
Yoga isn’t about touching your toes trust me...
It’s better that you are not as flexible, as you will notice how amazing practicing Yoga is for you in those areas. Doing Yoga poses isn’t actually the main purpose of Yoga, it's how the Yoga makes you feel and that connection in your mind and body. Real Yoga isn’t about being an acrobat, remember it's about paying attention to yourself, how you feel and connecting with your breath. IT'S SO MUCH MORE THEN BEING FLEXIBLE.
Myth 2: All you do in Yoga is stretch, it's not a workout...
I have heard this so much… omg! It's a popular one and it makes me laugh.
How would you know if you have never done Yoga before?
In fact, Yoga is very much a workout. It's like saying to someone who does body weighted exercises is just about doing weights. Yoga may look like it's all about stretching, but in fact it's about building strength mentally and physically, it also is a more gentle and therapeutic way of working out.
Experienced Yoga teachers will guide you through unique yoga class styles, which specifically open up parts of the body safely, while building core, balance and muscle strength throughout the whole body.
Practicing Yoga also helps support some injuries and helps to prevent them.
Myth 3: Yoga is just for Women
Ummmmm… so not true!!!!
It may seem that Yoga is practiced more by Women, but actually men are starting to connect to Yoga so much more over the last 10 years. We need more men to practice Yoga and share Yoga.
Yoga helps to build confidence in men along with helping with anxiety and stress.
My husband Chris absolutely loves Yoga now but before he stepped on his mat for the first time, he had these initial thoughts of it's not for men and that he wouldn’t enjoy it.
I remember I tried to get him to a class, and he instantly said “nahhhh, Yoga isn’t for me, you carry on” I thought how? You wouldn’t know until you try…
Well… he took his first step on his mat and his views totally changed, he said it was amazing and absolutely loved it. He noticed he was so much calmer and relaxed but also felt he had a great all body workout which made him feel great.
Myth 4: Standing on your head makes you a better Yogi!
Nope this is not true!... lol
Don’t be put off by pictures of Yoga Teachers / Students being able to do handstands, headstands crazy arm balances etc… even though this all looks amazing and beautiful.
It does not make you better at Yoga and this is not your main goal of practicing Yoga. Remember it takes years to master certain poses if that’s your goal.
Yoga is not a competition or about (look at me) … it's about where you are in your practice and where you feel you want your practice to go and grow! It's a real journey of patience, acceptance, love and kindness.
Myth 5: You’re a Vegetarian or Vegan if your Practice / Teach Yoga
Ummmm nooo not true again….
There’s lots of traditional views on Yoga around food and what you should eat to be a true Yogi. The reality is if you are a woman, drink alcohol or eat meat and eggs traditionally you wouldn’t be in the Yogi category.
But as time moves on and forward yoga is much more modern these days, whether you follow the traditional practices or just some of them. A vegetarian diet is advised in the Yogis traditions, but it's actually not required.
There are so many amazing well known Yoga teachers who eat meat. It's also about choices and accepting, as long as you are happy, do what’s best for you.
Yoga will always be the same for you whatever your chosen diet is. I myself don’t eat loads of meat, i much prefer a balanced diet but this is something I have followed well before I was a Yoga Teacher.
Myth 6: You have to be young to practice Yoga
The amount, of messages and conversations I have had with people about this is crazy!
There is so many different ways Yoga can benefit different age groups. There is so much you can adapt for different people’s needs and wants. I also say you will be very surprised what you can do in Yoga. Just being able to move your body is amazing and can make you feel great. Yoga is about what you can do, not what everyone else can do.
Myth 7: Yoga is easy to teach
Nope it actually takes time and planning…
You are planning a class around the human body, it takes time and to make sure you’re opening up certain parts of the body. I love planning my classes it's my favourite part especially planning my music playlist also.
Another challenge teachers have is the Variety of body types, abilities, aims and interests… You’re not going to please everyone.
So there you have it just a few myths around Yoga that I have personally came across while being a Yoga Teacher.
Yoga is truly amazing and if you haven’t tried it before it could change your life and even better help you if you are suffering from certain conditions as well as just wanting to keep fit and healthy.
If your interested in any of my online / face-to-face Yoga classes take a look online or email me directly beyoubeyoga@outlook.co.uk | https://www.beyoubeyoga.co.uk/book-online
I also have a NEW face-to-face Yoga class starting Thursday 20th May 6pm - 7pm, Stoke Prior Village Hall, Bromsgrove B60 4JX
I'm offering a FREE TASTER SESSION for the first class.
**I WILL BE CONTINUING ALL MY ONLINE BESPOKE YOGA AND MINDFULNESS CLASSES ONLINE FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS**
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