Yoga Misconceptions
Clara John discusses four of the common misconceptions about yoga.
Yoga has been practiced for many centuries. It is a traditional Eastern practice that offers numerous health benefits, regardless of age and fitness level. Yoga is a particular exercise system that includes several subtle postures and stretching poses to strengthen most body parts. It is not only an exercise routine for physical health, but it also works on the mind and spirit. It effectively enhances flexibility and strength and puts the mind and body in a peaceful state. Many people are under many misconceptions about conventional yoga practice. They like the graceful poses but hesitate to participate in Yoga because of the widespread false impressions about the practice.
Yoga is Easy
A misconception is that yoga is a comfortable workout. Although it is not difficult to perform, it does require particular strength and stamina. During yoga practice, you have to hold certain poses for long periods. These slow movements require a high degree of strength, coordination, and balance. Achieving and maintaining specific yoga poses is challenging, and the lack of fast action does not make yoga easier.
Yoga needs Flexibility
People seeing the breathtaking poses from experts usually think that their body is not suitable for performing yoga positions due to their lack of flexibility. There are a lot of health benefits related to each of the Yoga positions, and if you feel you lack flexibility, you are an ideal candidate to try yoga. Remember, flexibility is not a prerequisite for Yoga - Yoga will improve your flexibility along with strength, coordination, and balance.
Yoga is for Ladies
Men feel that delicate and slow yoga movements are more appropriate for ladies. This misconception has been developed because of the perception that yoga is easy and not a 'manly' sport. The truth is that yoga is as challenging as any other sport and needs a particular athletic approach. Yoga is an extremely quick-witted practice that anyone can adopt as per their fitness level. Multiple yoga schools have many challenging postures that require strength and stamina.
Yoga Conflicts Religiously
Yoga is not a religious practice. If you have such a belief, I expect you to have entered a yoga class and heard chanting being played over the speakers. Some yoga studios include Indian religious issues with yoga practice, but this is their personal choice. It is also a fallacy that yoga is related to Hinduism. Hinduism adopted it centuries ago, so people relate yoga with them. The reality is that anyone can take up yoga without any religious issue.
Summary
Despite all the misconceptions that yoga is easy, feminine, not challenging, religious, and needs enhanced flexibility, the benefits of yoga make it a universally practiced routine. The regular integration of yoga poses in your daily routine assists you in improving strength and flexibility all over the body. It is a holistic science that offers particular benefits without focusing on who you are and your fitness goals.
Page Reference
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- JOHN, C. (2013) Yoga Misconceptions [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article134.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Clara John likes to know and perform fitness techniques to live an active and fit life. Clara has been passionate about learning and sharing ways to improve fitness using specific fitness equipment to maintain optimal health.