Have you talked yourself out of learning yoga because you’re afraid you’ll look ridiculous in a class full of people that are the same age as your grown kids? Has it been decades since you were able to touch your toes with your legs straight? Do you wear yoga pants because you can’t fit into your skinny jeans, NOT because you just got done with a Vinyasa Flow class? If any of these things sound familiar, you probably have some of these common misconceptions about yoga.
It’s Only For the Young and Sexy
The media sadly perpetuates images of young sexy yogis, in all manner of skimpy dress, pulling off fantastic yoga poses on a mountain top or tropical beach. It tends to have the same effect on us as looking at a thin supermodel on the cover of Vogue Magazine. We suddenly feel insecure, inadequate, out of shape, and unattractive. The fact is, those kinds of yogis are the minority. Mostly, people in yoga class represents all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. It doesn’t matter if you are a senior citizen or obese. Yoga is for EVERY BODY!
It’s Only for Super Flexible People
Just because you can’t twist your body into some sort of pretzel-like pose and get 5,000 likes by posting it on Instagram doesn’t mean yoga isn’t for you. When I took my first yoga class, it was in a room full of mostly advanced students learning to be yoga teachers. I was the oldest person in the class, by far. I was horribly self-conscious, but they cheered me on and made me feel welcome like real yogis should.
You’re Too Old to Start Yoga
I was 49 years old when I took my first yoga class. I have students in my classes that are trying yoga for the first time in their 60s and 70s. There is no age limit for learning or doing yoga. It’s not a competition. Yoga is about you and your body. All that matters is that you try it carefully and listen to your body. Never push yourself to the point of pain, and you should be just fine.
It’s a Religion
For some reason, I’ve had a few people tell me that they think yoga is a religion or a slippery slope to turning someone against their religious beliefs. Maybe it’s the oms, the openness, or the practice of mediation, but certain religious people just seem uncomfortable with the idea of yoga. Yoga does not promote the belief in any specific deity or religion. Anyone and everyone is welcome.
It’s Only For Hippies
Some hippy types of people with dreadlocks and armpit hair do enjoy yoga, but so do yuppies, moms, dads, teenagers, senior citizens, corporate CEOs, car salesmen, and just about every other type of person you can imagine. Stop stereotyping and just open your mind to the possibility that you might actually enjoy learning yoga.
It’s Not a Hard Workout
My yoga instructor taught us that yoga is not a workout, it’s a work-in. What he meant is that yoga is much more than exercise. It’s also good for the mind and spirit. It can help you relax, focus, build strength, flexibility, balance, and help you feel more centered. Many people feel more connected spiritually, mentally, and physically, the longer they practice yoga.
More than likely, you’ll be a bit sore after your first few yoga classes and beyond. You’ll be working muscles that haven’t been challenged for some time, all without expensive machines and gym equipment. Try it and find out for yourself why yoga is changing lives all around the world.