There are many myths surrounding yoga. Luckily, we debunked a handful of them to inspire you to continue confidently pursuing yoga. Keep reading to find out what they are. When you’re done, open Yoga Wake Up on your phone and get to practicing!
1. Myth: It’s always hot and sweaty.
Reality: It doesn’t have to be! There are different types of yoga and it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you and your mood. Yoga Wake Up offers a range that varies from energizing flows for every morning to gentle, mindful moves to help you unwind at night.
2. Myth: It’s girly.
Reality: Not if you ask Derek Beres, a Los Angeles-based author and fitness instructor with 20+ years of experience. “Working in media, I’m at my laptop most of the day. There are so many distractions. Yoga gives me an opportunity to turn off all alerts and focus on my form and breath,” Beres, who was one of the first instructors to record an audio-guided Yoga Wake Up app, tells us. “Yoga is also a great companion to all the other workouts that I regularly perform.”
3. Myth: It’s not much of a workout.
Reality: To an outsider, yoga may seem like it’s all stretching. But in reality, yoga is so much more than that. It can help address imbalances, relieve tight hip flexors, decrease tension and build muscle tone. It’s what you make of it.
4. Myth: You have to be naturally flexible.
Reality: One of the most common questions newbies ask is, “do you have to be flexible to do yoga?” The answer: No, flexibility is not a prerequisite to do yoga. The more time you commit to yoga, however, the more flexible you become. Ease into it and you’ll feel more comfortable with your practice and body in no time.
5. Myth: It’s just a trend.
Reality: Seeing as the practice of yoga originated in India 4,000 years ago, it most certainly is not a trend and continues to serve as an outlet for different people from different cultures and backgrounds.