Some people swear by yoga’s healing and conditioning properties. Others who misunderstand its potential swear when they hear its name mentioned.

Many people misunderstand what yoga is all about. Here are some MYTHS about the ancient art to unearth its benefits even for the average person.

MYTH #1: Yoga’s like chocolate: It appeals mainly to women

Although women are usually more willing to try new activities, men are flocking to yoga classes. And they are being challenged. In fact, yoga originated in India where until recently, it was mainly practiced  by men.

MYTH #2: If you’re not in great shape, don’t bother.

So if you’re not strong, you shouldn’t lift weights? Yoga can help you get into shape, and it’s a perfect starting place if you’re new to exercise. Just make sure you find the style and level of yoga that suits your fitness level and goals.

MYTH #3: Only skinny people do yoga.

Yoga is for everybody, no matter how big or small. Yoga can be modified for anybody and any body type. Weight loss through metabolic changes, reduction of anxiety and impulse eating are among yoga’s multitude of benefits.

MYTH #4: You have to be able to turn yourself into a pretzel to do yoga.

That is not what yoga is about. Some extremely advanced poses require unique skills, but those are just a scant few. For the most part, poses require no superhuman skills and can always be modified for your body.

MYTH #5: You need to be a Gumby to do yoga.

Gumbies may have an easier time achieving poses, but remember that yoga will help you gain flexibility. The more you practice yoga, the more flexible you’ll become.

MYTH #6: Yoga is only good for stretching.

Sure, you will stretch your muscles in yoga poses, but you will also gain strength and muscle tone. Other benefits include improved breathing, balance, posture, mental focus, and in some cases, cardiovascular endurance. Yoga has been shown to help health conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain.

MYTH #7: Practicing yoga is like going to church.

Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. As a result, it won’t interfere with your spiritual beliefs. Nor will you be asked to adopt any religious attitudes. The spirituality of yoga simply revolves around strengthening the bond between your mind, body, and spirit.

MYTH #8: You are going to have to umm or chant stuff in yoga classes.

Don’t worry if you’re not into chanting, neither are most yoga devotees. While some forms of yoga include chanting, yoga is mainly about moving into various postures and challenging your mind and body to reach their fullest potential. Ironically, even if you don’t intend to meditate, you will. Meditation simply means calming the mind. Through yoga, you will calm your mind, dump the endless chatter, and learn to focus.

MYTH #9: Yoga instructors talk in mumbo jumbo.

Walk into a yoga class, and you will probably hear a few foreign words. Postures after all originated in India. But all postures have English translations and instructors often use them. The one word you will hear often is “Namaste” which translates into “the divine in me honors the divine in you.”

MYTH #10: Yoga is for wimps.

Don’t be fooled. Some styles of yoga like Ashtanga or power yoga can be extremely challenging. Even the gentler forms involve an element of challenge. You might actually find yourself weaker than you think, no matter how much you can lift at the gym.  

.