Myth 1: It's easy/It's hardTruth: It depends on the style of yoga.
Yoga classes can be totally non-physical and consist of reading sutras, chanting, breathing or service to others. Yoga can also be purely physical and as strenuous as a gym workout. In order to find the right one for you, you have to figure out what you are looking to gain from the class. Talk to your friends and go online to find information about different yoga styles. Then do a search online for studios in your area and try out different classes. Talk to the teachers after the classes and get recommendations from them also. I actually started doing Ashtanga Yoga because an Iyengar Yoga teacher felt it would be better for me and he was right.
Myth 2: I have to be flexible
Truth: You gain flexibility as you practice, Duh!
Yoga builds flexibility and strength. Whatever you don't have when you start, if you are consistent, you will get it later.
Myth 3: Yoga is just for flexibility
Truth: You gain strength and flexibility
This goes back to choosing the right yoga. If you want to gain strength, you have to chose a yoga that is geared towards that and you have to do it more often
Myth 4:You can't build a good looking physique just doing yoga alone
Truth: Some people only practice yoga and have amazing muscle tone
I know people with 6 pack abs who do just yoga. Again, it is about the type you do and the consistency.
Myth 5: You have to be a certain age and a certain level of health to do yoga
Truth: Anyone can do it
This goes back to choosing the right type of yoga and the right teacher.
Myth 6: Yoga is a Religion
Truth: It's not
Though a lot of the yoga we practice today has it's roots in eastern mysticism, the message of yoga is universal and is based on principals that apply to all people. However, some teachers do bring more of their personal beliefs into their teaching so choose a teacher and a style that gels with you.
Myth 7: Yoga is Contortionism
Truth: It's not
Yoga is a system that links mind and body. Contortionist are just trying to get into the deepest craziest posture they can. They want to push their bodies and it is just for looks.
Myth 8: Yoga is an Exercise
Truth: It is a Mind/Body Holistic System
Through the study of yoga, you learn how to master the mind as well as the body. It is a system that teaches you how to overcome the ego, be healthy, live stress free and how to to treat and serve others. The ultimate goal is to live in a state of supreme oneness where all sense of separation vanishes. This is called Samadhi.
Myth 9: Real Yoga is _____(fill in the blank)
Truth: For the True Seeker, all roads lead to the same destination
In the yoga community, there is an argument about what constitutes real yoga. I used to take sides on this issue but I have come to realize that if a person is truly seeking something, they will find it. There is a popular saying "when the student is ready, the teacher will come". Whatever someone is ready for at that moment, they will find that information. When they outgrow that or are ready for a change, something else will be presented.