Yoga is a popular form of exercise and relaxation with over 300 million practitioners worldwide. With it being an ancient practice, several misconceptions and myths about yoga have originated over the years.
These myths lead beginners to make mistakes, and even seasoned yogis are held back from developing a more mindful connection with yoga. Here are six myths you need to stop believing in right away.
Myth 1: You Need to be Flexible
The Truth: According to research, women doing yoga consistently saw a significant improvement in their flexibility. They felt that their spinal muscles and hamstrings had gotten more flexible after beginning and sticking with yoga.
Myth 2: Yoga is Meditation and Not a Workout
The Truth: Have you seen the yoga poses some people can pull off? Although you also might have seen the watered-down version that may have led you to believe this myth. There is a physical aspect to yoga that exhausts the mind and body, so it can be clear when you meditate.
Myth 3: Yoga is for Young People
The Truth: Yoga is for anyone who wants to do it. It doesn’t matter how old you are but what health conditions your body has. There are young people in their 20s that need to start off with a chair to improve their flexibility before moving on to proper yoga poses.
Myth 4: All Yoga Teachers are the Same
The Truth: The current yoga teacher training isn’t about the craft but the hours put in. A yoga teacher needs 200 hours of training. This is equivalent to about a month. Not all yoga teachers and not all programs are created equal. Some focus on the spirituality of yoga, while others focus heavily on posture.
Myth 5: Yoga will Lead to Happiness
The Truth: Exercise has been connected to improved mental health for a long time, but it doesn’t automatically make you happy. Yoga can help overcome emotional negativity, but this process takes time. Chances are you might feel worse before feeling better.
Myth 6: Doing Advanced Poses Means You’re Better at It
The Truth: This is a common belief among beginners. They believe if they can do deeper backends, further forwards, do handstands, or balance longer, they are getting better at yoga.
They also think this is how they are creating a spiritual connection. It’s much more than that. You need to reach a stage where you can feel the joy and well-being that’ll change your experience and everyday life.
Affordable Yoga Classes in NYC
If you’re intrigued about yoga and, after clearing the misconceptions from your mind, are looking for beginner yoga classes in NYC, Fit Engine has got you covered! We offer reviews about the best yoga classes, mobility workouts, Pilates classes, and dance classes in NYC. For more information, check out our website.
You can also contact us for more information on affordable fitness classes.
