Busting 13 Common Misconceptions About Yoga

Yoga Myth vs. Facts

Here are 13 yoga myths that you should stop believing right now.

Myth 1:

You have to be flexible to practice yoga.

Fact:

Real yoga isn’t about flexibility but it is about mindful movement. It’s about placing your attention on the current of breath underneath various yoga postures.

Myth 2:

Yoga is not a workout.

Fact:

The physical aspect yoga was created to exhaust the body and mind so that it can be free and clear for meditation. Everything evolves, and many people have created many different styles that all coexist under the broad umbrella of yoga.

Myth 3:

All yoga teachers have the same training.

Fact:

This is not true as not all yoga training programs are created equal. Some yoga programmes have a heavy focus on just the physical postures, while others focus more on philosophy aspect. Basis the program, training of the yoga teachers vary.

Myth 4:

Yoga is only about your physical ability.

Fact:

Yoga is about breathing deeply and having a desire to quiet your mind, calm your nervous system and work through any issues preventing you from being at peace. It is to know yourself and sometimes it’s about rewiring your system so you can find ease—both physically and mentally.

Myth 5:

Yoga will automatically make you happy.

Fact:

While this can be true, it’s not true for everyone. If you are really transforming through yoga, you’ll experience a lot of ups and downs on your journey. It’s not a smooth sailing, and that’s a clear sign of it working for you.

Myth 6:

Yoga is nothing more than stretching.

Fact:

At first glance, that’s what it might look like, but it’s actually not that at all. With an experienced teacher, yoga is incredibly functional and therapeutic because it can be very corrective when it comes to muscle dysfunction. It doesn’t replace medical care, but it’s highly effective for addressing imbalances.

Myth 7:

You have to be young to do yoga.

Fact:

Yoga really is beneficial for all ages so don’t let your age stop you from doing yoga.

Myth 8:

Yoga is just for women, not men.

Fact:

While yoga is predominantly practiced by women, that paradigm has shifted dramatically over the last few years showing an increase in number of men, each year.

Myth 9:

Yoga is just another type of exercise.

Fact:

Yoga is just not a form of exercise but it is the union of body, mind and spirit.Yoga philosophy connects us to our true selves, guides us to clarity, releases us from suffering and afflictions (ego wanting, fear and rejection) and enables us to realize self-acceptance.

Myth 10:

Doing more advanced poses means you are better at yoga.

Fact:

Even by trying a gentler, simpler and softer approach and practicing a simple yoga pose, you’ll discover joy and wellbeing that’ll change your experience of everyday life more profoundly than trying to do advanced yoga pose.

Myth 11:

All yoga is same.

Fact:

The reality is that yoga is not a singular practice at all, but rather a multiplicity of movement. Some of the wonderful diversity in yoga comes in the form of accessibility through the use of props, safety through the use trauma-informed practice and joy through the use of narratives.

Myth 12:

You should skip yoga when you have your periods.

Fact:

This is wholly incorrect. Performing physically inverting poses will not increase the possibility of retrograde flow. Also based on various researches, there is no correlation between endometriosis and retrograde flow. So, when you’re on your period, practice all the yoga you’d like.

Myth 13:

You miss out on the benefits of yoga if you can’t get proper alignment.

Fact:

Too much focus on alignment can be detrimental to the neurological benefits of yoga. It can distract from the direct experience of the body sensations.

Conclusion

Misconceptions about yoga not only hold you back from developing a deeper, more mindful practice—they also prevent people from ever stepping on the mat to begin with.

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Source: Ayurgamaya, Mindbodygreen, Forbes

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 29, 2023