#1 I AM NOT FLEXIBLE
You don’t have to be a human pretzel to practice yoga. You begin where you are and gradually make progress.
#2 I AM TOO OLD
Yoga can be started at anytime of your life. Age is no bar.
#3 YOGA IS TOO GIRLY
Have you ever practiced downward facing dog for more than a minute , or arm balances or backbends? It will make you sweat and isn’t just for women. Take a class and you will see
#4 IT REQUIRES ME TO BECOME VEGETARIAN/ GIVE UP ALCOHOL
No such thing! While many people find that after a while these aren’t needed and give them up, there is no such prerequisite!
#5 YOGA IS A RELIGION
While yoga comes from India, it is open to all people and does not require you to change your faith or convert into something else.
#6 YOGA CAN HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT
Unfortunately this isn’t true. You may reach your ideal optimal weight by gaining or reducing a few kilos but the objective here isn’t weight loss.
#7 I NEED TO CHANT OM
While sounds are used in yoga to focus & concentrate, its quite ok not to Ommmm.
#8 I NEED FANCY GEAR
Branded clothes, expensive props & designer mats may be a fashionable show offs but aren’t necessary at all. Think simple, functional and comfortable !
#9 YOGA IS ASANA
Nope! Traditionally, the postures or asanas are only one eighth of the entire equation. Ethical & moral discipline, breathing techniques, meditation etc are other limbs. To be asana obsessed is to make it a skewed practice.
#10 I CAN LEARN FROM A BOOK
A good teacher can help you to learn and guide your progress better than reading or seeing stuff online. A teacher is indispensable particularly if you need therapeutic assistance or wish to customise learning to best suit your needs.
If you need help contact me at yogawithsujata@gmail.com