What's keeping you from practicing YOGA?
Since I started teaching Yoga, I have noticed there a few common misperceptions about the practice that keep people from even trying it. Do any of these apply to you?
Myth #1 - I'm not flexible so I can't do Yoga
Completely untrue! If you feel you are tight and inflexible then that's all the MORE reason to practice Yoga. You CAN gain flexibility and a greater range of motion at any age, but you have to do the work. Actively practicing yoga or stretching will help you greatly improve your flexibility regardless of where you start. If you are stiff or tight in the beginning-that can and will change with consistent practice.
Myth #2 - I have to be in shape to practice Yoga
Also, untrue! There are many different types of Yoga, some are slow and easy (Hatha, Soma, Yin) and some are fast and challenging (Vinyasa Flow, Power). The trick is finding the right class for your current fitness level. If you are new to exercise, then a slower paced Hatha, Soma or Yin class is ideal for you. These types of classes feature poses that are held for a longer period of time and modifications are offered so you can do any of the poses in a way that suits your needs.
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." – The Bhagavad Gita
Myth #3 - I have an injury therefore I can't do Yoga
While an injury might prevent you from doing some types of Yoga (such as the faster flowy kind) there are still types of Yoga that can easily work around injuries. Hatha, Soma and Yin Yoga are all slower forms that can use modifications or props to help you do poses. Or if there is a posture that aggravates your injury, then another posture can be suggested. A good instructor should be able to offer modifications for any and all poses/postures.
Myth #4 - I'm too old to do Yoga
Absolutely NOT! Yoga is for every age!
There are specialized classes just for seniors. These can be standard classes modified for seniors or chair-based classes for anyone who needs support or help balancing.
Myth #5 - Yoga is a religion therefore I can't practice it
Yoga itself is not a religion. Yes, some classes can be spiritual based depending on where in the world you are, the teacher and what type of class it is.
The Yoga philosophy is one of love and kindness to all beings (yourself included).
Yoga teaches us to be respectful, patient, non-violent and non-possessive, truthful and pure. It does not tell you what church to attend or what God to believe in.
So regardless of what religion you practice, is the yoga philosophy really so different from your beliefs that you can't practice it?
Another thing to remember is that the majority of Yoga classes taught in the United States have been highly Americanized. There are actually 8 limbs of yoga and most classes in the US teach only 2 of those--postures and breathwork (asana and pranayama). Stretching your body and learning to breath properly is not religions. That is basic self-care.
In closing, there really isn't a good reason to skip Yoga!
Yoga is beneficial to everyone regardless of age, fitness level or religious identification. There are many types of yoga and many types of teachers-- both in person and online. Feel free to reach out to me to help you determine the best class for you. I personally teach Hatha and Soma classes with a little Yin mixed in.
Yoga IS for everyone and every Body.
Namaste.
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