Yoga myths

This blog post is based on the original article from the American Council of Exercise found at Yoga: Myth vs Reality. What I've done is take a look at each of the myths addressed in this article and explain how they apply to my classes.  My hope is this will give you an idea of my teaching style so you'll know what to expect when you take my class.

Myth 1: You have to be flexible to do yoga.
Absolutely not!  Yoga increases flexibility, so if you're not flexible then you should be practicing yoga to increase your flexibility.

Myth 2: You have to sweat to feel the benefits of yoga
That's not true.  There is nothing wrong with sweating, actually it is healthy but you don't have to break a sweat to benefit from yoga.  My classroom is room temperature and my students sometimes begin to perspire slightly.

Myth 3: You have to execute the movements perfectly.
Nope.  Everybody is different and their expression of a pose may look completely different than the person next to them in class.  That does not matter.  What matters is that you are getting in touch with your body.  You are moving your body and making it healthy.

Myth 4: Yoga is boring
Says who!  I don't find yoga boring.  There are so many different kinds of yoga.  If you take one kind of yoga and don't like it, try another kind of yoga.  There is a type of yoga for everyone.  It's just a matter of finding the one that is right for you.

Myth 5: Yoga is a religion
No.  Yoga does recognize that we are spiritual beings.  That is why I am drawn to yoga because it uses the body, mind and spirit.  During meditation when you observe your thoughts, what part of you is observing your thoughts?  It can't be the mind because the mind is doing the thinking.  Everyone has their own spiritual beliefs and should find a class that they feel comfortable with.  I open and close my class with the sound of OM.  Some students have told me they don't feel comfortable with this.  Some of them felt better when I explained they had the option to remain silent.  Others never came back to my class.  That's alright. You need to find a class that works for you.
 
Myth 6: Only slender people can practice yoga
Huh?  No, yoga is for everyone.  People come in all different shapes and sizes and everyone can benefit from practicing yoga.

Myth 7: Yoga is Expensive.
My classes range in price from $6-10 for a 1 hour class.  Is that expensive?

Hopefully this has given you a little insight into my classes.  The only way to see if you like them is to try one.  Here is a link to my classes.

Namaste!