Yoga has become prevalent throughout the world. Thousands of people join the yoga revolution each day. A recent survey conducted by Harvard Medical School revealed that the global prevalence of individual s performing yoga is on the rise.
In fact, the survey revealed that the number of “yogis,” a term that describes people who enjoy doing yoga, have increased by more than 50% in just four years. In 2016, more than 36 million people in the United States performed yoga regularly, and at least 33% of the entire American population has tried yoga before – at least on one occasion.
Even though yoga is becoming increasingly popular, it is important to realize that this practice is not something that was only introduced to the world in recent times.
In fact, most publications suggest that the practice of yoga dates back to over 5,000 years. Thus, this is an ancient practice that has just found a new purpose in the lives of the modern person.
There are many benefits to yoga, such as a higher level of relaxation, a form of physical exercise and the ability to stretch the most important muscles of the body.
However, there is a significant number of people who are thinking about joining up for a yoga class or downloading an instructional vide and trying it themselves, but the numerous misconceptions out there regarding the practice of yoga is causing hesitation. In this post, we are going to look at the ten top myths about yoga, and I’ll explain the truth to these myths.
1. Yoga is only for those who are already in good shape
One of the most common problems that people find when they are looking to get into yoga is that all of the photos and videos we see on the internet, as well as in local publications, portray yoga as a practice for people who are in good shape.
This, however, does not mean you have to be in good shape to practice yoga and benefit from it. A lot of overweight individuals have found yoga to be a perfect activity to help them get started with their weight loss journey. With the right poses, you can transform your body with yoga.
2.Only vegans practice yoga
The majority of people who are very open about their yoga practice are vegans. Look up accounts dedicated to yoga on Instagram, and you’ll find that most of these account holders are vegan – they often post about the benefits of veganism.
It is important to note that yoga is a diverse activity and no, not only vegans practice yoga. Any one can practice yoga – at a studio, at the park or in the comfort of their own home.
when we look at videos of people doing yoga; they always seem to be very peaceful.
3.Only women practice yoga
This is another common misconception about yoga. In modern times, especially in the United States, you will often see associations made between yoga and women. This often leads men to consider yoga as a practice that is only for women, but this is not true.
In ancient times, men practiced yoga just as much as women – and even today, in some countries like India, we often find that men are more acquainted with this activity than women.
4. Yoga is a simple stretching exercise
When we watch someone doing basic yoga moves, then a common misconception is that yoga is far too simple to be effective in any way. It seems like the entire purpose of yoga is to provide the body with some stretching, but just in a more “fancy” way. This is also a myth and not true. Once you give yoga a try, you will notice that this activity is far more than just stretching – it works on the body, mind, and soul.
5.Yoga is too hard for the average individual
On the other hand, some people tend to think that yoga may be too hard for them and that you need to be an expert, as well as extremely fit and flexible, to become a fan of this practice. Have you seen those videos where people perform yoga poses like the “handstand,” “headstand” and “crow pose”? Some yoga poses are very hard to achieve, yes, but this does not account for all yoga poses. When starting out, there are many fundamental poses that are easy for beginners.
6. Yoga is very expensive
When you take a look at the photos posted on Instagram and videos on YouTube, you will see one thing in common with many of these posts – the people in them often wear expensive clothing, and they have professional yoga mats.
This often causes people to think they need to have a lot of money if they wish to perform yoga. The truth is, you do not. You don’t need any special clothing, and there are many objects that can be used in place of a professional yoga mat.
7.Only healthy people can perform yoga
Another common misconception that people often have is that yoga is only for healthy people. Thus, those individuals suffering from heart problems, depression, arthritis and other health conditions are unable to perform these exercises. This is yet another myth. There are many different forms of yoga, and a lot of these not only help to stretch the body but improve specific symptoms caused by some health conditions.
8.Yoga is only for hippies
Similar to how yoga is often associated with vegans, a lot of people also tend to associate this ancient activity with hippies. We often see movies where hippies perform yoga, and even in real life, this can often be observed.
While “hippies” are very in tune with themselves and find yoga beneficial they are not the only people doing yoga. In fact, there are many celebrities that frequently do yoga.
9.Only people who are very peaceful can practice yoga
When we dismiss the myths that yoga is for hippies and vegans, there is another association left – when we look at videos of people doing yoga; they always seem to be very peaceful.
When we watch a movie, the people performing yoga often look very peaceful. This may create an image that yoga is only for those who are very calm, but the truth is, the act itself helps to bring calmness to you – that does not mean you have to be living a peaceful life to practice yoga.
10.Yoga… is yoga
Finally, we want to point out that a lot of individuals think that yoga is merely yoga, and there is no variety to this practice. The truth is, yoga is not just a simple practice, but rather a fascinating and creative practice that can be performed in many different ways.
There are numerous types of yoga, which means there is a particular form of this practice that will suit you. Some examples of traditional and modern yoga include:
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Hatha Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Hot Yoga
• Prenatal Yoga
• Yoga Hybrids
• Restorative Yoga
Conclusion
While yoga is already being performed by millions on a day-today basis, there are a lot of people who are uncertain as to whether yoga indeed is for them. The numerous myths that are often associated with this ancient practice are usually what causes such hesitation. In reality, the majority of the negative points that are made about yoga are often found to be myths and not the truth.
Author Bio: Margaux Diaz has been writing about health, beauty, skin care and fitness for many years. She has been consistent with her writing, contributing exceptional and worthy articles. She is very passionate about her work and she has devoted herself to influencing and motivating others to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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