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Yoga Myths: The Misconceptions Behind Yoga

Therese M. Pope | April 28, 2008

Yoga has been practiced in India for centuries. The stereotype of yoga is usually an ancient yogi burning incense seated in Lotus Pose chanting for hours. Even though yoga is practiced worldwide and is making its presence know in the media and online, people still hesitate to practice yoga because of some of the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding yoga.

With any form of exercise, it’s wise to consult a medical professional or yoga teacher before you begin a yoga practice. People suffer from various injuries and ailments and each person’s body is different.

Yoga is for Everyone

Before I began my yoga practice ten years ago, I thought only slim, willowy women practiced yoga. I definitely don’t fit into the super model stereotype. Even though I had a dance background and wasn’t hesitant about attempting the poses, I was nervous that I might not fit into the “thin” yoga student demographic. My first yoga class definitely took away any preconceived notion of what a yoga student looks like. Most of my fellow students were seniors and working professionals.

I always encourage friends and family to try a yoga class. I hear a lot of the same stereotypes about yoga and attempt to clarify that these statements are myths.
Don’t let these following misconceptions stop you from attempting a yoga class.

Common Yoga Myths

1. You have to be flexible.

When I taught a yoga class, I had many students repeat this statement to me in defeated tones when they had trouble mastering a pose. I explained that everyone’s bodies are different and you cannot force your body when it doesn’t want to be forced. It’s about listening to what your body is telling you.

It is not expected that all people who take yoga for the first time are super human pretzels. The media sometimes portray yoga students as these glamorous, incredibly fit and flexible yoga dynamos. These publicity photos are usually trained teachers and students who have been practicing for years. Some people are more flexible than others and some will struggle with flexibility no matter how long they practice yoga. These physical differences need to be honored. When my students would become frustrated when they couldn’t reach or couldn’t twist far enough in a pose, I would tell them yoga isn’t about competition and they should never push their body to the point of pain.

2. Yoga is an exercise for women.

In some parts of the world, yoga has been predominantly associated with women. Because of this stereotype, men have looked at yoga as a “female” form of exercise. I’ve heard men comment that it’s not a “man’s” workout. I have challenged my athletic male friends to try a class and I have proved them wrong. Some have become lifelong students as a result of putting these stereotypes aside.

I used to work out at a rock climbing gym and my classes were equally filled with both men and women. Many of my fellow students were male rock climbers and they mentioned how yoga really helped strengthen their upper bodies. Also, some of my most inspirational yoga teachers are men. Yoga offers positive health benefits to both men and women. Men and women equally are searching for a sense of inner peace and are looking for ways to fight disease and to stay healthy. The popularity of yoga amongst men is slowly growing and more men are signing up for yoga classes.

3. Everybody must be at the same level and practice the same poses (asanas).

Yoga is not a competitive sport. I’ve observed students try to keep up with the person next to them which could be physically harmful (especially if you are a beginning student). Yoga is not about competition. It’s about listening and honoring your body.

My yoga teachers have always emphasized never pushing poses to the point of pain and to rest in a restorative pose (like Child’s Pose or Seated Cross Legged Pose) if you need to take a break. Even though yoga teachers demonstrate poses at a certain pace, it does mean students have to feel pressured into keeping up at that pace. Resting between poses is acceptable.

If a yoga teacher does not allow you to rest between poses and becomes adamant about keeping up with the class, I would question their teaching credentials and I would suggest taking a different class or teacher. A teacher should never push a student into a pose that they don’t feel comfortable practicing. Also, people have different injuries and may be suffering from illnesses and teachers and students should modify poses accordingly.

4. Yoga is too “New Age” and/or too religious or spiritual for me.

Yoga is how you perceive it. Ethically, teachers should never force their personal beliefs upon students. I have taken classes where chanting is included in class and other classes where only the poses (asanas) are practiced. The tenets behind yoga are spiritual in nature (since yoga is affiliated with Vedic Hinduism); however, it does mean yoga students are forced to adhere to this same spiritual philosophy.

There are a wide variety of styles and it’s up to the student to pick and choose a style they feel comfortable practicing. Students take yoga for many different reasons. Many people choose to practice yoga because of the additional spiritual benefits, but it is not a requirement of yoga students to meditate or chant. If you don’t feel comfortable practicing the spiritual aspects of yoga (chanting, meditation, visualizations, etc) then don’t participate or quietly leave class early. You will not be admonished for honoring what is right for you.

5. Yoga looks boring and slow.

I have friends and colleagues who have told me yoga looks slow and boring and they wouldn’t get a good workout. I told them to try one of my power yoga classes and they’ll sweat like they just ran a marathon. Many people perceive yoga to be very slow, methodical and boring. Yoga can be slow and calming but it can also be invigorating and powerful. It depends on what kind of yoga you practice (for example, the more dynamic Ashtanga yoga), the speed of poses (asanas) and your teacher’s style of teaching.

You Can Benefit from Yoga

As human beings, we come in all shapes, sizes and ages and we each bring unique experiences to the practice of yoga. We need to honor and respect each other’s differences as it will only help us grow in our yoga practice. The next time you start thinking you “can’t” attempt yoga because of the myths listed above, contemplate and really think about what’s really stopping you from practicing yoga. Is it fear of the unknown? Are you self-conscious about your physical abilities? Put those fears aside and remember the positive benefits you can achieve with yoga. You won’t know until you try!

Sources: www.emaxhealth.com; yoga.about.com; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtanga_Vinyasa_Yoga