Yoga Class Myths: Don’t Let These 3 Common Misconceptions Keep You Off the Mat

Yoga has gained a lot more attention and most people have a good idea of what yoga is all about as well as its benefits — still, there are a few common misconceptions worth addressing. So here we go: Debunking the top three yoga myths and reasons for not practicing.

YOGA MYTH #1: All Yoga is Created Equal

At first glance it may seem like yoga is yoga is yoga, but take a second look and you’ll discover that there are many different ways of practicing yoga being offered in the States. According to the American Yoga Association, there are more than 100 styles of yoga. And while yoga is for everyone, not every style of yoga is. Meaning, the yoga offered at your gym might not be the best yoga for you.

You should also be aware that not all yoga teachers are created equal either. Yoga’s popularity grew at such an exponential rate here in the U.S. that yoga’s professional standards and governing bodies are just now catching up. Some current teachers completed their training over a weekend while others have spent years studying to become a yoga teacher. Different styles of yoga have different requirements, expectations and standards for certifying yoga teachers. Spend a short amount of time checking out the teacher’s bio and trainings before jumping into class, and always do what feels best for your body. All of our instructors at Bamboo Garden Yoga are certified and have spent a combined 10,000+ hours training!

YOGA MYTH #2: Yoga is for the Flexy-Bendy Type

Although from the looks of it yoga is only for those blessed with the ability to fold themselves in half, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga is meant to help you become more comfortable, gain strength, and increase range of motion in the body you have. The benefits are the same regardless of how far you can bend. Besides, you aren’t strong before you started strength training and you don’t have endurance before you start cardio workouts—does that mean you aren’t going to lift weights or go for a run… ever?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and if you’re uncomfortable with your inflexibility or at all intimidated by the class environment, you may want to think about taking a more compassionate style of yoga, like Gentle Yoga, or a beginners class where you’ll learn the how to use props to modify the poses to compensate for tight hips, shoulders, and hamstrings. Many styles preference function over form, meaning that the shape of the yoga postures are modified to meet the needs of the individual. A skilled teacher will be able to show you, with the use of props, how to adjust yourself to make the poses more comfortable for your body.

YOGA MYTH #3: Yoga is for the Spiritual

Not true. Yoga is for anyone. The great thing about the practice is that you can take it as far as you want to go. You may just like the physical exercise combined with the breathing and leave it at that. You may become a monk. Point being, yoga doesn’t care. The more people stretching, breathing, and moving their spine the better! All are welcome.

You can continue with the same lifestyle you have now and practice yoga. However, don’t be surprised if you start to preference healthy lifestyle choices over unhealthy ones. Yoga has a way of working itself into your life off the mat. Yoga puts you more in touch with your body—the way you feel. By practicing yoga, you will start to notice what makes you feel your best and when you’re not feeling quite your best. Without forcing yourself, you simply start making decisions that help you feel good all the way around.

The fantastic part about having so many styles of yoga available to us is that you have some choice as far as personal preference. If you want a more overtly spiritual yoga practice then you can choose a style that incorporates more chanting and meditation, if you’re looking for a straightforward yet mindful workout then take a class focused on producing sweat. There is of course a lot of crossover, and each style has much more to offer than what initially meets the eye, but with this many variations on the market you’re sure to find the right combination for you.

Stop by our studio or check out our schedule to find the Yoga class in Delray Beach that’s right for you!