5 misconceptions about yoga

Think you have to twist your body into a pretzel-like pose to get the most out of yoga? Or be flexible enough to do the splits? Think again. There are many misconceptions surrounding yoga and its practice. Unfortunately, they may prevent many people from ever trying yoga. 

Keep reading to consider 5 mistaken beliefs about yoga. 

#1 Yoga is only about physical ability

This belief is probably the largest misconception about yoga, here in the West. Plus, it likely leads to several other misconceptions.

Yoga is an ancient practice. The word “yoga” means to “unite” or to “yoke” in Sanskrit. Yoga practices help bring attention to the connection among the different aspects of yourself; it unites the mind, body, and spirit.  

The poses, or asanas, are just one small part of yoga. Did you know that the purpose of the poses is to prepare the body to sit for breathing practices and meditation?  

It’s common to start with the physical practice (I know I did) but there is so much beyond the poses.

Yoga truly is a comprehensive system. 

#2 You must be flexible

Countless times I’ve heard someone say they can’t try yoga because they “aren’t flexible enough.” Someone once told me that they’ll try yoga once they get more flexible. This belief reflects that first mistaken belief.

You start wherever you are. The physical part of yoga is about mindful movement, about bringing your attention to your breath, your thoughts, and how you feel. A physical practice should be a combination of strength, balance, mobility, flexibility, and concentration. 

Yoga is about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit, not just touching your toes.

#3 The more advanced the pose, the better you are at yoga

It’s often assumed that practicing a challenging pose means you are more advanced in yoga. This belief you find even within the yoga community. Countless times I’ve heard students comment on a fellow student being “better” at yoga because they could do this or that with their body. Why is this? 

First, it reflects yet again on the importance our society places on physical ability. It also implies that the goal of yoga is to put your body into certain shapes. And the more complicated shape the better. 

Not true. 

A teacher once said that being an advanced practitioner didn’t relate to the types of poses you did. Instead, it has to do with your awareness.  Awareness of your thoughts, your breath, how you feel, and your body. 

• Knowing when to back off in a pose. 

• Knowing that sometimes you need to sit and listen to your breath.

• Knowing that you tend to round your shoulders and upper back so chest openers are helpful. 

• Knowing that your breath changes when stressed.

• Knowing not to over-twist in poses that irritate your sacroiliac joints. 

• Knowing that you use negative self-talk when you feel like you should be able to do something.

• Knowing to prop yourself up when sitting because it feels better on your knees.

This awareness can be more valuable than any shape you put your body in. 

#4 Yoga belongs to one religion

Yoga is often misunderstood as a religious practice, which can be a turn-off for some. However, yoga’s roots are diverse. Mind, body, and spirit exist in every human being. Yoga helps to unite these aspects but doesn’t require you to be a part of a specific religion.

Yoga is about personal growth, self-awareness and interconnectedness, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their faith.

Yoga is about inner connection, not outer worship. 

#5 Yoga is for younger people and those with certain body types 

I’ve heard phrases like “I’m too old for yoga,” or “it’s too late for me to start.” This belief probably comes from the emphasis on the poses and from images that bombard us on the internet. Searching online for “yoga” results in images of not only difficult poses, but younger people doing them. This belief is so far from the truth. 

I’ve even had people tell me that I have a “yoga body.” I honestly feel sad when I’ve been told this because it’s associating a certain body type with this ancient practice. And that is so far from the truth and certainly reflects the importance our society places on physical appearance.

Yoga is for Every. Single. Body. It does not matter if you are older, younger, tall, short, overweight, or thin.

If you have a body, then you have a yoga body.

Yoga has certainly fallen victim to generalizations and misconceptions. These mistaken beliefs can hold back someone from trying yoga. They can also hold back someone already practicing yoga. But if you dig deeper you’ll find the truth…

yoga is for everyone. 

What’s holding you back?

Are you wanting to try out yoga but just don’t feel motivated? Read this article for tips.