Myth Buster: Yoga Myths Debunked

Clearing Common Misconceptions About the Practice of Yoga

There’s a lot of common talk, notions, assumptions and mistaken beliefs about Yoga, keeping people from trying it for the first time. But, just like other myths, a little knowledge on the subject can dispel the misconceptions and clear the air. Here’s a look at some Common Yoga Myths:

#1. Yoga Is A For Physical Exercise Only
This myth stems from the most widespread misconception of Yoga . A major contribution to this image of yoga lies in the fact that most information on the subject is always accompanied by a picture of a person twisting one’s body into an intricate pretzel or doing headstands or balancing acts. Well, it is hard to show the bigger picture of yoga with a photo, which is a school of thought that includes physical, mental and spiritual practices to bring about a complete balance in a person for their well being. The physical aspect of yoga called Asanas (yoga poses) is only 1 step of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. (Read more in: The 8 Steps of Yoga- A Spiritual Quest for Enlightenment). This disciplined path is chosen for the purification of our attachments to the temporary material world of form in search of greater spirituality and truth (which doesn’t mean it can’t be used to get you Madonna like arms and physical workout). This leads to the second misunderstanding about Yoga…

#2. Yoga Is Religious
While yoga plays an integral role in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, it is not a religion in itself. Yoga is a 5,000 year old practice of meditation and lifestyle of greater consciousness which some may choose as a path to God, which ever they may believe in. In other words, Yoga is a path to spiritual consciousness or away to quiet the mind and connect with one’s inner-self.

#3. Yoga is Best Left to the Young and Fit to Practice.
This again comes from the misunderstanding that yoga is merely physical. When we hear the word Yoga many people have the fixed image of a thin, well toned woman contorting her body in a way we would think fit for Cirque Du Soleil. While yes, yoga requires some flexibility it doesn’t mean if you’re as flexible as a carrot stick you can’t practice yoga. In fact the flexibility comes eventually with the practice of yoga asanas and in the meantime there are hundreds of poses to get you there. Yoga is not competitive nor comparative, which is why you’ll notice the lack of mirrors in a yoga classroom. Each individual is different with different physical limitations. One may find certain yoga poses easier than others, but the most important is achieving proper body alignment in each posture. Poses can always be modified to make them more accessible. The Use of Props in Yoga is a great way of overcoming our physical while getting the best from each pose.

As for age, it plays no part in Yoga. The misconception that younger people are more fit and flexible than older folk is a myth dispelled by yoga teachers themselves. The most famous Yogis and Yoginis are not what you would call young, yet the perform and teach just the same proving older people can have the same level or more dexterity than youth. Yoga in fact is good for the problems that come with age like arthritis, blood pressure it’s what can helps us to age well, battle health issues and improve immunity.

#4. To Practice Yoga You Must Be a ‘Health Freak’ and Turn Vegetarian.
This is just not the case. This notion of Yoga is for “those earthy-crunchy weirdos” or “hippies” couldn’t be more from the truth. Yoga is practiced by millions of people and a huge number aren’t vegan or vegetarians even. Usually the people that turn to Yoga are looking for a healthier lifestyle and a spiritual quest. While vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates, many people turn to vegetarianism for the health benefits validated by the mainstream medical community to double it up with the health benefits of practicing yoga. It’s in no way a requirement or even asked of anyone choosing to practice yoga.

#5. Yoga is a Woman’s Activity
Yoga actually originated among men in India about 5,000 years ago. One look at World’s well-known yogis- Patanjali, B.K.S. Iyengar, Baron Baptiste, Bryan Kest should dispel this one. Yes, 72% of Yoga practitioners today are women and that makes it intimidating for a man to join a class, however most men that overcome the initial nerves will vouch that Yoga is a great great way to work out physically as well as bring about a balance in their lives, keeping them centered. After all, not just women look for peace of mind, good health and inner calm. So leave out the gender stereotyping when it comes to yoga.

So, let go of all these notions, assumptions and mistaken beliefs of Yoga holding you back from trying yoga for yourself. Grab a yoga mat and give a class a try! You’ll experience first hand the holistic benefits of yoga.

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* Photo credits: photos by Kelly Loves Whales, domananda, apolaine, milopeng on flickr.