Have you ever thought of practicing yoga yet feel you are too fat, too stiff or too old to start classes? Maybe you are pregnant and would like to attend a yoga class, but you worry the class may be too challenging for you.
There are many myths and preconceptions about yoga. As a yoga teacher, I receive lots of inquiries from new students who voice their fears and concerns about yoga.
This article is designed to help dispel some of the common misconceptions I receive. See how many of the following five myths you can identify with.
Five Popular Myths About Yoga
Myth 1: Yoga is only for super-bendy-flexible people.
It does not matter how inflexible, stiff or tense you are, yoga can help you become more flexible and open. Yoga is for everyone. Yoga encourages you to accept your body and to treat each yoga class as if it were your first ever class. Some days, your hips may feel tense, other days, more open and relaxed. It really does not matter how flexible you are. The most important thing is to regular show-up and practice.
Myth 2: Yoga is yet another hyped-up-new-age-exercise class
Yoga is over 5,000 years old. Its roots are steeped in the ancient history of the civilisation of the Indus Valley. Yoga is more than "just another exercise class". Traditionally, yoga was practiced as a form of spiritual devotion and meditation to enable individuals to experience unity and oneness with the Divine.
In essence, yoga provides a philosophy of living in harmony with all. It emphasises the need to live a healthy, natural way of life and for you to see the good and beauty in all. Nowadays, many people, particularly in the Western world, see yoga as a form of relaxation and exercise.
Myth 3: Yoga is too hard and not suitable for people over 50 years old
Regardless of your age, you can practice yoga. An experienced yoga teacher will be able to adapt poses and exercises to meet your individual needs. There are various styles and schools of yoga, ranging from very gentle classes to more dynamic lessons.
Many of today's health problems, for example, digestive disorders, arthritis, high blood pressure, are made worse by lack of exercise, poor dietary habits and shallow breathing. Yoga, with its emphasis on healthy living, e.g. eating wholesome natural foods, correct breathing, rest and positive thinking are ideal for older aged people. As they say "you are as old as you feel." My oldest student is a 92 year old lady, who practices yoga in her wheel chair.
Myth 4: You have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga.
Many people who practice yoga eat meat and fish.
The foods you eat have a major influence on your energy levels. As a source of energy, food can either drain or energise you. Yoga philosophy views all life as energy. The food you eat provides energy and serves to repair, strengthen and protect your body from disease.
From a yogic perspective, energy can be viewed in three forms, known as the three gunas - satva, rajas and tamas.
Sattvic foods are foods which are pure, natural and whole, e.g. fresh fruit and vegetable, seeds, nuts, wholemeal foods. These foods nourish the body and promote a calm and harmonising effect on the body;
Rajasic foods are foods which are very hot, bitter, sour or salty. They have a stimulating effect on the body and lead to you feeling over stimulated and excited, these foods include coffee, strong herbs and spices, chocolate. Eating too many rajasic foods weaken your internal sense of balance and calm.
Tamasic foods have no energy. They are considered to have no life and deaden your energy. Foods, such as meat, alcohol, highly processed foods are considered tamasic.
From this perspective, as you practice yoga you develop a greater sense of inner calm and balance. You become attuned to your environment and gravitate towards eating more sattvic foods which naturally support you to maintain inner balance and calm.
Myth 5: Yoga is a religion.
Yoga is multi-faceted. Yoga students come from all walks of life, social background and faiths. It is a holistic way of living as well as the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. Crossing over many cultures (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity) The practice of yoga, with its emphasis on cultivating inner peace and harmony can support you to strengthen your faith.
If you could identify with any of these myths, I hope this article encourages you to face your fears and sign up for your first yoga class.
Let me know, if you are aware of any other myths or preconceptions you are others may have about yoga and I'll do my best to answer your concerns.
Ntathu Allen, Hatha Yoga Teacher designs personal yoga exercise programmes for beginners. She helps you learn easy yoga postures which improve your flexibility, breathing practices to release stress and meditation techniques to soothe and calm your mind. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your free monthly yoga and health newsletter, "Healing for the Soul," full of wellbeing and holistic healing tips and; yoga exercises to energise and nurture your soul.
Email: ntathu@yogainspires.co.uk
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