Resilient Reflections: The Truth About Yoga - Myths Part 3
The Truth About Yoga - Myths Part 3
I’m on a mission to bust myths about yoga. After having owned yoga studios for almost 8 years, I have heard everything in the book about how “I can’t do yoga.” So please take a look at the last 2 blogs filled with myths about yoga!
These blogs are intended to reach out to those folks who think they can’t do yoga, whether it’s because they think they are too old, too stiff, have never been an “exerciser,” don’t know how to do it so embarrassed to try, have an injury, aren’t “flexible” enough, think it’s too boring, have limitations, it’s too slow, it won’t help them get in shape, it seem cultish, and so on and so on and so on…believe me I’ve heard them all lol!
The reality is anyone can do yoga. The biggest challenge most people face is taking the leap and trying it. And not for a day or couple of weeks, but really trying it. Like anything in life, yoga, to truly appreciate it, needs to be done consistently, with an open mind, and with expectations that fit where you are!
Nobody starts yoga as a star. You learn it. And for those of you who think what you see in social media, young women with beautiful bodies, in the shapes of pretzels, as being the norm in yoga, I’m here to tell you IT’S NOT! It might be what we see on social media, but it is not the reality of most of the folks out there learning and doing yoga.
Now that’s not to say that everyone has the same challenges in doing yoga and movement but what it does say is there are a lot of excuses in people’s minds or sub-conscious that are keeping them from really trying a practice that can usually help heal ailments, can be adjusted for almost everyone and helps us maintain our vitality and our youthfulness as we age!
It’s a practice that if you do it, at any level you’re comfortable with, you will remain more mobile, stronger, it will give you more clarity and strength. It’s a practice that will support your self care, your resilience, and your overall health for years to come.
This week’s myths (some worth repeating!):
Myth: Yoga is only for those that are healthy, strong and can do the poses.
Yoga is modifiable. Many people are scared to step out of their comfort zones to try something new. They may be afraid they can't do the poses, won't be able to follow along, or will feel inept when they typically feel confident taking on physical challenges. However, yoga isn't meant to be one-size-fits-all. The practice is quite customizable. If certain yoga poses or sequences seem challenging, you can modify them to fit your body, ability, and needs. Yoga teachers should also provide modifications for poses to make them more accessible, even online you can ask or put up your hand AND teachers should be still watching you. Also, make sure you look at the level of class you are taking. You don’t want to take an advanced Level 2 class if you are still starting out, you want an all levels class to start at your comfort level. And truly, if you haven’t done yoga before, the investment in a beginners course is worth every penny!
Also, a great lesson from yoga is to listen to your own body. What I personally did 7 years ago, is not what I like to do now. Yoga is evolutionary just like you.
Myth: Yoga is expensive and requires expensive tools, props, and apparel to do it.
Sure, you can head to lululemon and stock up on name-brand yoga apparel, gear, and accessories, spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, but there's absolutely no reason to go broke to start a practice. You can wearing anything you want that’s comfortable, track pants, leggings, whatever feels comfortable and lets you move. PŪR Resilience has a whole guide on How to Start a Home Yoga Practice that gives tons of options for using items at home without ever having to buy a prop!
Myth: Doing more advanced poses means you’re better at yoga.
“As a yoga newbie, I was so taken with the practice that I mistakenly believed my ability to go deeper in backbends, further in forward bends or balance longer in handstands were signs of spiritual superiority. I even made breathwork competitive! After 20-plus years of practicing and teaching, I’ve come to realize that less is definitely more in yoga. Try a gentler, simpler and softer approach to practice, and you’ll discover joy and wellbeing that’ll change your experience of everyday life more profoundly than any fancy arm balance you’ve ever done on a yoga mat,” said Kerry Maiorca, yoga teacher, founder of Bloom Yoga Studio in Chicago and chair of the board for Yoga Alliance.
Myth: You’re too old to start yoga
This is a misleading representation of the true image and intent of yoga.
The truth is, yoga is a very accessible practice that nearly anyone – at any age or condition- can practice. It’s a matter of taking what you need, finding the right class and instructor fit, and using your props liberally.
Yoga includes much more than physical movement: Yoga is about making a connection between your breath and the way your body works.
You can modify your practice: You can easily vary your style of practice to adapt for conditions in your body – including practicing with a chair or other form of support.
It can make you feel younger: The benefits of a regular yoga practice strengthen not only the body but the mind. Yoga can help you recover from injury and boost balance, so you avoid falling. But it also helps you learn to breathe through stress, leading to less wear and tear on your body and mind.
Yoga can truly be a fountain of youth. As you become more connected to life, you’ll realize youthfulness has more to do with the spirit than the body.
Myth: You have to be flexible to do yoga
Saying you have to be flexible to do yoga is like saying you have to be in shape to go to the gym, or that you have to be clean to take a shower. There may be a relationship between yoga and flexibility but being flexible isn't a prerequisite for doing yoga. Over time, yoga can help you become more flexible—flexibility is a result of yoga, not a prerequisite.
References
Kerry Maiorca, https://www.bloomyogastudio.com/
