If social media is to be believed, yoga is only for women who are affluent, young, thin, and flexible. Everywhere you look, images on social media, television, and other popular culture perpetuate this idea. But this idea does not represent yoga – not even close. Let’s dispel all those yoga myths out there.
The truth is that yoga is for everyone.
Yoga myth 1: I’m not flexible. Can I do yoga?
Can’t touch your toes? Yoga is still for you. Your practice is yours and yours alone. Yoga can meet you where you are and take you to new places. Just make sure to modify poses that you don’t feel ready to do.
Thinking that you need to be flexible to do yoga is like thinking you need to be healthy to see a doctor. Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility, balance, and more. You don’t have to have these things already to benefit from yoga.
Yoga myth 2: I’m in a larger body. Can I do yoga?
Yes! Yoga is for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Contrary to what social media would have people believe, yoga isn’t specific to any body type. It’s for anyone with a body. Tall, short, large, small, and everything in between – yoga is for you.
I’m over 60 years of age. Can I do yoga?
Absolutely! It’s never too late to start your yoga practice. Yoga can be particularly beneficial as we age. Your practice can improve your balance, making falls less likely. A regular yoga practice can also build your muscles and support your bones. This is particularly important for anyone with bone density loss, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Yoga myth 3: I’m not a woman. Can I do yoga?
There’s no doubt about this one; yes! While yoga has become particularly popular with women in the Western world, it is for people of all genders. In India, yoga is practiced by men all of the time.
The truth is that yoga is for everyone.
Yoga Myth 4: I don’t have a lot of money. Can I do yoga?
Absolutely! There are plenty of props, fancy mats, and exclusive classes out there. However, none of that is essential for a yoga practice. You don’t even need a mat. People often practice yoga on a blanket or a towel. There are also many excellent yoga instructors on YouTube who you can follow for free. You don’t need any particular clothes. Just wear something you can move well in.
How can I get started?
The most important thing to do is to find a yoga instructor who supports your goals. Some instructors are best for advanced practitioners, while others are great at helping beginners get started. There are instructors who specifically teach any kind of student you can imagine, and those who make their classes for everyone.
