Many of us believe some of these Yoga myths as true that it is solely an exercise; spiritualism originated from Hinduism, the need to be flexible to do Yoga, etc. So, today, we will be debunking yoga myths to help you gain an understanding of yoga truths. 

You don’t have to be flexible or like a pretzel to perform yoga. To help you understand what yoga is all about, we have compiled a list of yoga myths and facts. Let’s get started! 

1. You Need to be Flexible 

One common yoga myth is that you must be flexible to perform or do yoga. That’s one of the most common misunderstandings about yoga. However, the truth is paying attention and being mindful of your movements and environment. So, the truth is, you don’t need to be a pretzel to perform yoga; rather, pay attention, be present, and accept yourself. That’s called yoga. 

2. Yoga is Only Workout 

Another yoga misconception is it is a workout only. Well, that’s not the case. When you are working out, you can listen to music, zone out while running on the treadmill, and even grunt it hard due to uncomfortability. 

However, the yoga truth is that it encourages you to be fully in the present while performing the asanas, which strengthens your body-mind connection. 

3. You Need to Practice it as a Routine

The yoga myth is that it needs to be practiced as a routine every morning and evening. If you are into yoga beliefs, it is time to break off from those misconceptions about yoga. It is not just a routine to practice every morning and evening. Rather, it is a way of life. You can practice not just at a specific time; you can perform yoga while doing household chores, running a business, doing your office work, etc. 

4. It is Orginated From Hinduism

Another common misunderstanding about yoga is that it originated from Hinduism. The truth about yoga is that you can trace the philosophy of yoga back to Hinduism and other spiritual traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, etc. It is a way of life and a holistic approach to health and spirituality. 

5. Yoga is Hard to Do in the Beginning 

Most of us perceive that yoga is hard if you do it for the first time, as you need to be flexible. We will debunk yoga myths and why they are just yoga myths and far from the truth. It is a practice you and I can easily perform. You don’t need a degree to practice yoga asanas. There are various asanas, pranayama, ashtanga for beginners. Roll out your mat and start practicing yoga to help clear your mind about this yoga belief. 

6. Menstruating Women should Exempt from Practicing Yoga

The idea that women should avoid it during menstruation is a yoga myth. However, according to modern research and many yoga experts, it is suggested that gentle yoga can alleviate cramps, fatigue, and mood swings. 

If you are on your period, go for poses like Child’s Pose and Cat-Cow; gentle twists can promote relaxation and reduce discomfort. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid strenuous poses that you feel uncomfortable. The truth about yoga is that it can be a supportive practice, especially during menstruation, promoting your overall well-being.

7. Anyone can Teach Yoga

The biggest misunderstanding about yoga is that anyone can teach yoga asanas. The yoga truth is far from it! Not everyone can teach yoga, and taking classes from anyone without understanding their expertise in the field is not a good idea. So, we are debunking yoga myths that require a well-trained and certified yoga instructor to help you get started! 

If you are looking for the best school/ institute to learn Yoga from certified and experienced yoga instructors, YogMahima is the best yoga school in Delhi. We offer a wide range of yoga courses, from prenatal yoga/pregnancy yoga to Hatha yoga, acupressure, dance, bowl healing, art & music, etc, to achieve holistic well-being. Get enrolled today and break yourself off from common yoga myths with YogMahima! 

Conclusion 

To conclude, understanding the truths behind common yoga myths can enhance your practice and appreciate the positive impact that yoga can have on your whole being. Moreover, it’s not just about flexibility or routine but mindfulness and holistic well-being. 

These are some common misunderstandings about yoga that most people have when it comes to yoga. You should know that it is a versatile, inclusive practice that supports physical and mental health, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be flexible to start practicing yoga?

No, you don’t need to be flexible to practice yoga. Rather, yoga is all about being mindful and present. The yoga myth that you need to be adaptable to practice asanas is a common misconception that needs to be broken off by enrolling in a yoga course at YogMahima.

2. Is yoga only a physical workout?

The answer is Yoga is more than just a physical workout. It is a practice that encourages a strong mind-body connection, promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and overall well-being alongside physical fitness.

3. Can yoga only be practiced as a daily routine?

Yoga should be practiced as a daily routine, one of the biggest yoga myths many people believe. However, you can practice it anytime and anywhere, not just as a daily routine. It’s a way of life that can be integrated into daily activities, like when you do household chores or office work, to promote mindfulness.

4. Is yoga a practice that originated only from Hinduism?

Another Yoga belief is the philosophy of yoga, which originated from Hinduism. However, it is rooted in various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Yoga is a holistic approach to health and spirituality that transcends religion.

5. Should I avoid practicing Yoga asanas during menstruation?

The answer is no! Even if you are menstruating, you can still practice gentle yoga to alleviate cramps and fatigue. You can perform poses like Child’s Pose and Cat-Cow to promote relaxation. However, listening to your body and avoiding any strenuous poses is essential.

Also Read:
7 Essential Yoga Poses to Avoid During Pregnancy
Top 10 Hatha Yoga Poses for Beginners: A Complete Guide
How Mindfulness Yoga Can Revolutionize Your Mental Health
How To Build A Yoga Routine For Beginners