7 Yoga Myths Debunked
by Hannah Moran, Yoga Teacher and Director of Ops
Welcome to our myth-busting journey into the world of yoga! With yoga's growing popularity, it's easy for myths and misconceptions to slip into our understanding of this ancient practice. From misunderstandings about who can practice yoga, to myths about what yoga really "does" for our bodies and minds, there’s no shortage of misinformation.
In this blog, we’ll tackle some of the most common myths surrounding yoga and separate fact from fiction. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious, this article aims to clear the fog and bring clarity to what yoga is truly about.
Let’s dive in and start debunking! 🧘♀️
1. You have to be flexible to do yoga. Right?
Wrong! Perhaps the most common concern we hear from people considering joining our studio is that they’re not flexible enough for yoga. On the contrary, this is all the more reason to start! With time, dedication, and patience, flexibility will undoubtedly come.
2. I'm a hard-core athlete, so yoga will be too easy for me.
Ask any of the 100s of runners, bikers and athletes in our yoga community – every single one will tell you that yoga makes a wonderful complement to any sport or athletic practice. With integrated deep stretching, strength-building exercises, and meditation, yoga tones the whole body while also training the mind to be strong, focused, and resilient. 💪
3. Yoga will automatically make you happier.
While studies have shown that a regular yoga practice can help improve your overall mood and reduce stress levels, it certainly doesn’t happen overnight. As with anything it takes time, dedication, and lots of hard work to start feeling the long-term benefits of yoga.
That said, there is something we refer to as “post-yoga glow,” which describes that temporary feeling of euphoria after a hot, sweaty yoga class. But to achieve true, holistic “happiness,” it’s going to take a lot more than just one class, and likely more than just yoga :) But yoga certainly can help!
4. All yoga teachers have the same training.
False. Not all yoga teacher training programs are created equal. While there is a universal standard of 200 hours in any program accredited by the Yoga Alliance, certain programs train at a higher standard than others.
For example, someone who gets certified through Inner Fire Yoga’s teacher training program will be far more well-equipped than someone who does their training 100% online through a series of videos and assigned readings. Even amongst in-person programs there is a wide variety in quality and professionalism. So if you’re considering yoga teacher training, be sure to shop around and do your research before deciding on a program that meets your standards.
5. Doing more advanced poses means you're better at yoga.
If someone is doing more advanced poses than you, it probably just means they’ve been doing it longer than you have. There really is no such thing as being “good” or “bad” at yoga, in fact, as it’s more of a journey than a destination. The experience is always personal and totally unique to the individual practitioner.
Not to mention, the physical poses are only one branch of the eight-limbed path of Yoga as a lifestyle. You could deepen your practice through breathwork, meditation, moral disciplines, concentration, withdrawal of senses, or a number of other ways that have nothing to do with asana (yoga poses).
6. Using props means you're not good at yoga.
This one really irks me, because I believe it’s quite the opposite! Using props means you have the wisdom to know when a prop will serve your body and your yoga, which is really quite an advanced practice. Props are our friends, and they are NOT only for beginners. They can serve just as much of a purpose for a brand new yogi as they do for a decades-long practitioner.
7. The more experienced yogis in class will judge me because I'm new.
This could not be further from the truth at Inner Fire Yoga. In fact, we LOVE newbies! You might be nervous to take your first few classes in a room full of seasoned yogis, but keep in mind – yogis who practice in community with other yogis do so in part because they wish to share their yoga energy with others. We practice together intentionally so that we can inspire, help, support, motivate, and guide one another. So don’t let your fear of judgment keep you from stepping onto the mat! We’re a community, and we’re all in it together. 🙂