11 Misconceptions About Yoga | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

11 Misconceptions About Yoga, Debunked And In Full Zen Mode

It's not exactly what you think.

54
11 Misconceptions About Yoga, Debunked And In Full Zen Mode

In This Article:

June 21 is International Do Yoga day, inspiring many people to take to the mat and try their hand at the centuries-old practice. For those of us who regularly practice yoga, this day was an exciting opportunity to invite friends to join us. However, as all "yogis" know, there seems to be an understanding of yoga among people who don't practice that just isn't accurate. These misconceptions can cause people who would enjoy yoga to steer clear, so it's about time that they were addressed.

1. It's easy 

Anyone who does yoga will tell you that this is untrue. There are definitely poses that don't take a lot of effort, but there are definitely poses that do. Holding your body in certain positions for long periods of time can be incredibly difficult.

2. It's expensive

Like any hobby, yoga can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. You can have a rewarding practice completely for free. You can buy all sorts of things from mats to blocks to classes, but all of those things are optional. There's nothing that you can do on a mat that you can't do on a carpet and there is nothing that you can learn in a class that you can't learn from a free Youtube video. You might prefer to use the things that cost money, but a free practice is always an option.

3. It's only for girls 

There are twice as many women practicing yoga than men, but that doesn't stop a large number of men from practicing. It's 2016, so there's no reason why a hobby should be stereotyped to one gender. If you're interested in yoga, go for it regardless of your gender identity.

4. It's part of "yuppie" culture 

Generalizations like this erase the culture that yoga was born from. Yoga was created in India and hundreds of thousands of Indian people still practice. You don't need to be a certain race or socioeconomic class to practice yoga, it really is accessible to anyone.

5. It does nothing for your body 

Compared to some more body-intensive workouts, yoga may not show the same results. Yoga was not designed to be a quick muscle building activity or a route for fast weight loss (although there is yoga designed specifically to help with weight loss). A dedicated yoga practice will definitely help with flexibility and strength in holding poses. Like any other workout, you only get what you put in.

6. There's no point 

If increased flexibility and strength aren't enough of an incentive for you, there are still so many reasons to do yoga. Yoga is proven to help depression and anxiety. It can also help you be more present in your daily life. Yoga can teach you ways to combat the auto-pilot that sets in during everyday activities.

7. The community is not accepting of new people 

Some of the nicest people who I have ever met have been in the yoga community. There is definitely a community understanding that everyone has to start somewhere and no one will discourage you from trying your best. You can really grow close to the people you allow to help you in your practice.

8. It has to be a religious practice 

Yoga itself is not a religious or spiritual practice. You can practice without any mention of chakras or mantras (although mantras are not necessarily spiritual). You can even weave yoga into any religion that you happen to follow. Your practice takes the shape that you want it to, meaning that it can aid any part of your life, including spiritually.

9. You need to have a certain skill level 

Everyone is a beginner at some point. It really doesn't matter if you can't get the position exactly perfect. Over time, your technique will improve. The people leading you in videos and classes have been doing this for years, but, at one time, they were completely inexperienced. As long as you are trying your best, no one can tell you that you aren't doing it well.

10. All practices are the same

Yoga is a very private practice and what works for some people won't work for others. In general, there are many different types of yoga (I can think of over 14 large genres just off the top of my head) and they all work for different people. Just because you attended one yoga class and didn't like it, doesn't mean that you won't like another type. Your practice needs to be as individual as you are.

11. It's boring 

This comes from the popular image of yoga classes where no one is allowed to talk and having a ringing cell phone gets you kicked out. There are definitely places like this, but if it seems boring to you, then it isn't the right place for you. Sometimes I prefer to do yoga alone and silently, sometimes I do it with friends and loud music. You can have a completely valid practice with your favorite playlist playing while goofing off with your friends. There is no wrong way to do yoga, so do what you want.

Report this Content
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14799
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2967
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1784
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments