With yoga’s growing popularity, more and more people are wondering if yoga is right for them. Along with increasing awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga, it's inevitable that some of the myths and misconceptions about yoga might cause some confusion.

1. Yoga: Can Anyone
Practice It?

2. With yoga’s growing popularity, more and more people are wondering if yoga is
right for them. Along with increasing awareness about the benefits of practicing
yoga, it's inevitable that some of the myths and misconceptions about yoga might
cause some confusion.
Some people assume that if they are not naturally flexible, then yoga isn't right
for them. Others may believe that yoga is only for young people or for old people
or that mainly women practice it. Still others worry that it may be strenuous for
them while others are concerned that it won't be enough of a workout.
Nevermind that many of these myths contradict one another!

3. One of the great aspects of yoga is that the entirety of the practice spans a great
deal of techniques that can be utilized by a wide variety of people to improve
their lives in many different ways. There are parts of the practice that address
strength and flexibility while other techniques that focus on relieving stress and
improving mental clarity. Some practices focus on healing injuries or chronic
pain while others concentrate on calming the mind and finding a sense of
stillness.
The truth is that yoga offers a wide array of approaches and techniques that
allows each person to find what they need by adjusting their practice
accordingly. Let's begin by looking at a few examples:

4. I’m a woman in my forties and I suffer from back pain. Is yoga safe
for me?
Many people have turned to yoga to help overcome back pain and it could prove
very helpful for you. Multiple studies have shown that both yoga poses and the
resultant improvement in one's posture from regular practice can help reduce or
eliminate chronic back pain.

5. It is important to be cautious, however. You'll want to choose a slower-paced
class that is focuses on methodical movement and proper alignment. Also, be
certain to alert your teachers about your existing conditions - sciatica, bulging
discs, muscles spasms, etc. - before class starts so that they can offer
modifications as necessary.

6. Even better, find a class that is specifically designed to be therapeutic, such as
Viniyoga classes or classes targeted toward yoga therapy. In these classes, the
focus will be on reducing imbalances in the body, carefully nurturing any injured
body parts, and on healing chronic injuries.
Until your back improves, it's best to avoid strenuous classes such as Power Yoga
or Vinyasa Flow. You may feel those are appropriate once you heal and are
feeling strong, but those classes tend to more athletic in their approach and
wouldn't be the best place to start.

7. I'm looking for a workout. I'm an athletic guy in my mid-20s and feel
that yoga moves too slowly and isn't aerobic. Can yoga make me fit?
There's no question that some yoga classes are physically demanding and very
strenuous. With regular practice in the appropriate class, you can gain strength,
tone, and endurance. Yoga won't bulk you up like weight lifting or train your
cardiovascular system to the extent that sprinting and distance running will, but
the benefits of yoga complement those other forms of exercise - and can help you
recover faster.

8. Again, it's a question of finding the right style of class and the right teacher.
While you're not likely to feel the burn like you might in a crossfit training
session or boot camp class, Power Yoga will have you breaking a sweat and
feeling that you worked your whole body. At times, you'll be flowing through
poses and synchronizing your movements with your breath, which will get your
heart pumping. At other times, you'll be holding challenging poses for an
extended time, forcing your muscles to improve their endurance.

9. Yoga can be very helpful for athletes in many ways - from improving their
performance to increasing their flexibility to healing their injuries. If you find the
right class, you might be surprised at just how physically challenging it can be.
I’m elderly and haven't exercised in years. I'd like to try yoga, but I'm
not flexible. Is that an issue?
It's a common myth that people have to be flexible to practice yoga, but that
couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, yoga meets you where you are and
there are many techniques that are appropriate for a wide range of abilities. If
you can breathe, yoga can offer you something worthwhile.

10. The benefits for you could be many-fold. First of all, yoga will help with your
balance and is a weight-bearing activity and so it can help improve bone density
- both very important as we age. Also, as you begin to practice regularly, you'll
notice some flexibility returning to your muscles along with strength and
endurance.
There are classes that cater specifically to seniors and those would be a great
place to start. There are also classes that are advertised as gentle yoga and these
could be another excellent option. If you have any concerns, feel free to chat with
the teacher before class and let him or her know of any particular limitation you
may have.

11. I’m an expectant mother. Is yoga safe for my baby and me?
Research has shown that yoga can be an important part of self-care during
pregnancy. Studies indicate that it can potentially reduce the need for pain relief
during birth and may even lower your chances of needing an emergency C-
section.
Since yoga is as much about relaxation and a positive mental attitude as it is
about keeping you fit and flexible, it can help to reduce discomfort and anxiety
associated with pregnancy and childbirth. You'll go into the delivery room in
better health and that will aid your body to bounce back after the birth of your
child.

12. Specific pre-natal and post-natal classes are widely available where teachers will
offer personalized attention and care. You'll also find a sense of community with
other expecting mothers that can also be very rewarding before and after your
pregnancy.
Between work, family and other commitments, my life is stressful. I
don't feel like I have time for yoga. What can I do?
In our busy modern lives, we seem to be surrounded by stress. Fortunately for
us, research has found that several yogic practices can help us calm and focus
our minds and reduce the reactions that trigger stress.

13. Most people think of yoga as a physical practice - and the physical postures and
exercise in general are helpful in bringing our bodies back into equilibrium and
combating stress. But yoga's reach extends far beyond the merely physical and
provides powerful techniques for working with the breath, with visualization,
and with meditation to increase focus, reduce anxiety, and integrate the body
and mind.

14. Pranayama, the technique of concentrating on and controlling the breath, can
create immediate changes in our state of mind and bring about a deep sense of
relaxation. Visualization exercises also aid in this as well as helping us to
overcome negative thought patterns and shift our focus toward positive
outcomes. Perhaps the most important component is meditation which research
has shown to be incredibly effective at clearing our minds, reducing stress, and
alleviating anxiety. Using these powerful techniques from the yogic tradition can
be essential for our mental health in this modern world.

15. And, in truth, they don't require a lot of time. While it would be ideal to spend a
week or two on a meditation or yoga retreat, we don't always have that luxury.
Even making it to a regular class can be challenging. By taking a couple of classes
and learning basic techniques, you'll have an idea of how to create your own
home practice. Additionally, there are now great apps for both yoga and
meditation broken into quick segments that you can squeeze into shorter
sessions when you have the time. Even just 20 minutes a day can have a
significant impact on your overall health and well-being.

16. So now you can see that the discipline of yoga is much broader than you may
have originally understood. Due to the breadth and depth of its offerings, yoga
offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for greater flexibility
and improved balance, pain relief, a healthy workout that leaves you feeling
energized rather than depleted, or stress reduction, yoga is an excellent choice.
The key is to seek out the proper class and the right teacher and you'll be well on
your way to finding the type of yoga that's right for you.

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