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| Famous Misconceptions about Yoga |
Misconception 1: You have to be flexible in order to do yoga.
It's OK if you can't touch your toes. Just bend your knees! Yoga is not
a race. There are yoga classes for every level of skill. It’s not a contest
to see who is the most limber. It is a practice that you perform at your
own pace. What’s important is not that the person in the corner can
touch her toes and you can’t; what’s important is that you develop
just a bit further – if you wish -- each time you practice.
It's OK if you can't touch your toes. Just bend your knees! Yoga is not
a race. There are yoga classes for every level of skill. It’s not a contest
to see who is the most limber. It is a practice that you perform at your
own pace. What’s important is not that the person in the corner can
touch her toes and you can’t; what’s important is that you develop
just a bit further – if you wish -- each time you practice.
Misconception 2: Yoga means a bunch of people sitting around in a lotus
position chanting “ohm”.
Some people think that yoga is not challenging, not aerobic, not
rigorous, not macho, or not athletic. Well, it depends upon the class you
take and your level. Yoga can be quite rigorous indeed. Power yoga is
quite aerobic and strength-inducing. Higher level postures require great
strength and co-ordination. We like to think that if football were any
harder, it could be yoga.
position chanting “ohm”.
Some people think that yoga is not challenging, not aerobic, not
rigorous, not macho, or not athletic. Well, it depends upon the class you
take and your level. Yoga can be quite rigorous indeed. Power yoga is
quite aerobic and strength-inducing. Higher level postures require great
strength and co-ordination. We like to think that if football were any
harder, it could be yoga.
Misconception 3: You have to lose weight before you are able to do yoga.
“I can’t do yoga until I lose another twenty pounds.” False. Virtually anyone can practice yoga. If you have some
extra pounds, you might find that yoga helps you to feel more limber, more energetic and more vital. That can
energize you to do the stuff you have to in order lose weight and experience all-over toning. And vigorous forms of
yoga like Power and Forrest will even help you lose weight.
“I can’t do yoga until I lose another twenty pounds.” False. Virtually anyone can practice yoga. If you have some
extra pounds, you might find that yoga helps you to feel more limber, more energetic and more vital. That can
energize you to do the stuff you have to in order lose weight and experience all-over toning. And vigorous forms of
yoga like Power and Forrest will even help you lose weight.
Misconception 4: Yoga classes are filled with a bunch of granola-eating
“woo woos".
Woo woo people. You know -- touchy-feely-granola-eating-psychic-
energy-minded spiritualists who are “way out there.” Will you find “woo-
woos" in yoga? Yes, but you'll also find these nice folks where you work;
at the supermarket; at the classical concert; at the library, at school;
even sleeping next to you. Yoga isn't as woo-woo as you think!
“woo woos".
Woo woo people. You know -- touchy-feely-granola-eating-psychic-
energy-minded spiritualists who are “way out there.” Will you find “woo-
woos" in yoga? Yes, but you'll also find these nice folks where you work;
at the supermarket; at the classical concert; at the library, at school;
even sleeping next to you. Yoga isn't as woo-woo as you think!
There are a lot of misconceptions about yoga flying around out there. Here are a few:
All types of people practice yoga. Yoga people are basically regular folks who attend yoga classes for a variety of
different reasons.
different reasons.
Misconception 5: Yoga is for grandmothers.
Well, actually this isn't a misconception.
This is what a grandmother on yoga looks
like. Go Grand Mama!
This is what a grandmother on yoga looks
like. Go Grand Mama!
| Green Tea Yoga, 7 Colonial Road. Salem, Massachusetts, 978.740.9749 |
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