Having trained more than 500 people in the field of Yoga: I have learned that there are many myths surrounding Yoga. Some of them being that You should start doing Yoga when you are very young and flexible. More than men only women should practice Yoga. Only fit and very flexible people can do Yoga. Yoga cannot help one lose weight and people suffering with physical ailments cannot and should not practice Yoga.
Young people would rather go gymming or for Zumba classes and they find that Yoga is too slow. These are some of the myths or beliefs held by people.
Having dealt with clients with various ailments and in various age groups I can safely vouch to clear these myths. We have all heard different versions of what one should and should not do related to Yoga
Myth Number 1 – Only women should do Yoga
Yoga is not at all gender specific and in fact most of the age old Yoga gurus were men. The modern perception is that men should rather be in the gym and build muscles. But Yoga is a practice that aligns the mind, body and soul while using different postures which help in building strength and fitness. It is not a gender-specific fitness practice, and all can practice.
Myth No 2 You need to start Young
Everybody’s life journey is different. And yes children are more flexible and can pick up the asanas; but however doesn’t mean that you cannot start at any age. You can begin to learn Yoga at any age, and most yoga asanas are designed in a way to fit every person’s body, regardless of their flexibility, balance and strength. There are some schools of Yoga which propagate props and some very difficult asanas which sound too farfetched. But you can start with simple asanas and some can even be tailor made for your body and specific conditions. Some consistency and dedicated practice can help you gain flexibility and acquire the right techniques.
Any type of exercise coupled with a proper nutrition plan can help yu lose weight. Different asanas use various muscles in your body and challenge your muscle strength, flexibility and overall fitness. More repetitions work on a specific body part and some practices like Suryanamaskars do help you sweat it out. Also Yoga has evolved into Power yoga, Hatha Yoga, HotYoga, Yoga with weights and the list is endless.
It is not a lazy workout; but in fact Yoga will engage your mind too. You can break into a sweat with active and intense styles of yoga.
People with ailments cannot practice Yoga
If you are suffering from any lifestyle ailments like Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Thyroid then your trainer will guide you to know which asanas are contraindicated for you. And in fact, certain Asanas, Pranayamas can help you overcome these ailments.