If you are a beginner, there can be a lot of information and misconceptions about yoga that can be very confusing.
You may encounter the following misconceptions about yoga in your research, and knowing the truth about these misconceptions can help you distinguish what is true from what is not:
1. You have to be flexible to do yoga
This is one of the most common misconceptions about yoga.
The truth is that yoga involves a variety of physical postures. In a typical yoga class, we work on breathing and some positions that can help increase flexibility. Some people are naturally more flexible than others. Some people can increase their flexibility quite a bit with yoga, while others may not.
However, it is important to start working with the body you have, flexible or not. And perhaps more important is to have a more flexible mentality and be open to all the things that this yoga journey can lead to.
2. Yoga is only for women
If you go to any yoga class around the world, chances are there are more women than men in the class. Considering the predominance of women, it really makes sense that many people think that yoga is only for women. And yet, interestingly, many years ago, in India, yoga was actually taught only to men.
Things changed in the 1930s when two women were accepted to study yoga and both, in their own way, managed to eliminate the gender barrier.
3. Yoga is not a workout
Yoga is not a workout compared to going to the gym. Equally, yoga can be a workout, especially Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga. Both types of yoga can be physically demanding. Both place a strong emphasis on asana and attract people who want such training.
4. Yoga nu este altceva decat intinderea muschilor
Practica fizica a yoga implica o mare intindere a muschilor, ceea ce inseamna ca, pe termen lung, cel mai probabil vei observa o imbunatatire a flexibilitatii tale. Aceasta este doar o mica parte din ceea ce poate oferi yoga cu adevarat.
5. All yoga is the same
When you enter the world of yoga, you quickly discover that there are actually quite a few types of yoga.
Each type of yoga varies depending on how dynamic it is, how gentle it is, who it is intended for and what are the benefits of each.
Each type of yoga has its benefits, so when choosing the type of yoga you want to practice, take your time and try them all. You will quickly come to realize the differences and most likely you will find the type of yoga that resonates with you.
The types of yoga most often practiced in most studios today are:
Hatha – A typical Hatha class is an ideal starting point for most yoga beginners. The teacher guides the class at a slow pace, and this gives the students enough time to get in and out of the stations in a safe way.
Vinyasa – A Vinyasa class can be seen as a faster Hatha yoga class. In this type of class, the students enter and leave the specific class positions synchronized with their breathing. Vinyasa classes can be fun and also quite challenging from a physical point of view.
Ashtanga – Ashtanga can be seen in a more structured Vinyasa class. In each class, the same set of postures is practiced and they become progressively harder as the practice progresses. There is also a strong focus on breathing and posture. This makes Ashtanga an ideal practice when you want to clear your mind.
Yin Yoga – This is quite different from the practices mentioned above. It has a slow pace, which involves standing in each position for a few minutes in order to stretch the muscles and increase flexibility. This makes Yin yoga an excellent practice for anyone who would like to increase their flexibility and release any tension accumulated in the body.
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