Don’t believe the hype. Discover yoga for yourself

There are many misconceptions and clichéd media portrayals of yoga so I’m thrilled to be able to dispel some of the popular yoga myths. I hope that you’ll give yoga a try yourself because I truly believe yoga is for anyone who has breath.

Here are five popular myths I’ve recently heard about yoga, followed by reasons why you should not believe the hype:

1. You need to be flexible to practice yoga. If you think people who do yoga are made of rubber and can twist into pretzel-shaped poses, think again! Being flexible isn’t a prerequisite to practicing yoga. Actually, if you don’t stretch enough, yoga is a sure way to awaken those dormant muscles and body parts. My average yoga student strolls into class after a mundane daily routine – wake up, eat, bathe, dress, endure traffic, sit for 8+ hours, repeatedly look into a mobile device, return home, eat, watch TV, and go to bed. The body’s range of motion is extremely limited during these activities.

Yet, in a 60-minute yoga class, their body will stretch way beyond their routine; they’ll lengthen, expand, retract, backbend, and twist – and that’s just the warm up!

What’s fascinating is that most yogis (someone who practices yoga), over time, discovers their body’s memory starts to recall some of stretches experienced during yoga class, followed by an urge to “open up” and feel “alive”. Think of this as the body’s reprogramming from its monotonous experiences.

Not everyone has the same flexibility levels, but with time and frequency, you’ll notice a shift in your body’s range of motion and strength. Continuous practice brings about this transformation – naturally and inevitably. In other words, you’ll become more flexible.

2. Yoga is for fit, thin people. Every body is a yoga body! There’s no specific ‘look’ to do yoga. It is for all shapes and sizes. A yoga class is a place of non-judgement. People aren’t checking out who can do what. Rather, most find the classes are a warm, encouraging and tranquil experience.

One of my favourite yogis defies what a yoga body should look like. The ever graceful Ms Jessamyn Stanley has shed over 50 pounds within two and half years of yoga practice. She says: “The real changes I’ve noticed in my body are not weight related. I used to suffer from near constant mild lower back pain but it’s essentially non-existent now. My mental clarity has improved greatly, and my mood shifts are more stable. These improvements are much more important to me than my weight loss because they have a greater effect on my daily life”.

3. I’m too old. Yoga is for 20-somethings. This could not be farther from the truth! My yoga clients age ranges between 15 – 65, and they’re all more than capable of handling synchronized breath and body movement. I smile whenever a client conspiratorially informs me of their age as though I’m supposed to modify a class accordingly. All ages are encouraged to move their body at a pace that works for them. In no time, the “seasoned” and the youthful soar through practice. For further proof, check out Tao Porchon-Lynch, a 96 year old yoga teacher in New York with 70 years of yoga practice under her belt.

4. I’m Pregnant and can’t exercise. Yoga is an excellent way to prepare expectant mothers for the breathing and mental state needed during delivery.

Prenatal yoga sessions are specially designed to help women move in ways that are soothing and beneficial to the body during pregnancy stages. As the woman’s body adjusts to the baby’s growth, so should movement levels in the class.

Studies suggest that prenatal yoga can improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, increase strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth. (Consult a physician before beginning any new exercise regime during or after pregnancy).

5. Yoga is a Religion. Yoga is not a religion or a replacement for religion. Yoga practitioners range from the agnostic to Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist to every conceivable belief. Yoga practice is accepting of all religions, and simply promotes uniting what is often considered separate – mind, body and inner self.

Previous generations of yogis paid minimal attention to the body, and focused on separating the mind. Their goal was to leave the world behind and merge with the spirit. A new generation of yoga teachers created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong its health. They explored the possibility of energizing the physical body to such a degree that its composition is enhanced with vitality. This led to the creation of Hatha yoga, a simpler version of today’s most widely practiced yoga. There’s a variety of branches and schools of yoga, of which hatha yoga is just one approach. Finding the right type of yoga and a teacher that suits you is part of the wonderful journey to discovering yoga for yourself.

There is quite a bit of buzz about yoga – some good, others not so good. Before making a judgment call, experience a yoga class for yourself. Let me know how it goes, and remember yoga is for anyone who has breath.