10 yoga myths busted

so we flow... man doing a seated forward fold

Now there's no excuse.

so we flow... 10 yoga myths busted infographic

 

1. You have to be flexible

The classic. We’ve all heard it. Perhaps you’ve even thought or said it. Flexibility can come as a result of practicing yoga, but it is neither necessary nor the ultimate goal. In fact, less flexibility can actually be an asset - meaning you hold poses using your strength rather than locking your joints. Furthermore, the less flexible you are, the longer journey you have to enjoy!

2. You have to be a vegan

This idea stems from an aspect of yoga penned by a fella named Patanjali - practice of non-violence. This can be interpreted as - not inflicted harm to living things. Whilst being vegan may be of great service to the World and it’s creatures, it is by no means required to practice yoga. We’d recommend eating in a way that makes you feel healthy - it will definitely benefit your practice - whether it’s steak or chickpeas...

3. It's just for the ladies

Yoga has been around for thousands of years, but it has only been considered a feminine endeavour since the Lycra-clad 80’s. Before then it was almost exclusively for men. Whilst this was most certainly a misguided attitude, rest assured - yoga is for everyone - regardless of gender, age, background, culture or ability.

4. Yoga is a religion

Yoga is practiced in several faiths, but it is in no way a religion itself, nor do you need have to any religious beliefs to pursue it. That being said, yoga is a means for living a nourishing and purposeful life. Once you practice yoga, you begin to see how it influences your personality, your actions, your mind, your body and ultimately how you live.

5. Yoga is expensive

Yoga classes can cost an arm and a leg. Even more so if you want the gear to go with it (damn clothing companies)!

But the truth of the matter is, yoga is free. All you need is some space, yourself and the will to practice. There’s a multitude of information available in books and online, as well as the odd free class. Feel free to give us a shout if you need some advice!

6. It's just another form of exercise

Exercise may be the reason you decided to start yoga. Perhaps you’ve got a dodgy back, or you wanted to - dare we say it - increase your flexibility. Maybe you took a fancy to the teacher... Whatever the reason you do yoga - that’s splendid. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more substance than ‘just exercise’, yoga might be just the thing for you...

7. Yoga is too easy

Yoga is generally stereotyped as rather passive and unchallenging by men. There’s a preconception that it is some form of ethereal stretching, when it is not only incredibly challenging athletically, but mentally demanding in way many people haven’t experienced. Granted, there is a bit at the end where you lie down and don’t move. But you might just find this to be the hardest part... And if you still believe yoga is easy, try an Ashtanga class and get back to us.

8. You can't get strong

There are yoga folk out there displaying feats of bodyweight strength that wouldn’t look out of place next to a bearded lady and an elephant on a unicycle. Just check out the hollow back or the one armed peacock and prepare to have your mind blown! More importantly, the strength you develop in yoga is conducive for long-lasting health and vitality - meaning you’ll be doing handstands at 90 no problem.

9. You have to be hippy

The things we do tend to come with a prescribed identity, which is of course, a load of bollocks. We live in a world where the opportunities for self-expression and fulfilment are expansive and diverse. Whether you’re a librarian that listens to death metal or a cage fighter who nurtures kittens - forget the stereotypes and give yoga a try - dreads and tie-dye optional.

10. It's just a trend

The popularity of yoga may be at it’s highest for decades, but that’s no reason not to do it. Fact is, yoga has been around since 7000BCE - perhaps even longer. That surely qualifies as being vintage right?

Trendy or not, with millions of followers over a substantial duration of human existence - we reckon there’s probably something to it...


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