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.
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