Top 4 Common Misconceptions About Yoga

Yoga is a versatile and dynamic form of exercise which offers a number of physical and mental health benefits. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about yoga and it’s common for people to use these misconceptions as an excuse not to give yoga a try.
Here at KĀYA, we offer authentic yoga at our Prahran and Melbourne CBD locations and are here to share some of the most common misconceptions people have about yoga practice. Hopefully it inspires you to get rid of those preconceived ideas and come along to a class!
1. Yoga is too easy
Many people assume that yoga is just simple stretching and meditation rather than a proper workout. Although there are certainly branches of yoga which focus more on relaxation and stretching, other forms of yoga such as hatha and vinyasa are far more challenging and involve you flowing through various movements. With many forms of yoga, you’ll find that your different muscle groups are challenged in every session as you improve your strength and endurance.
2. Yoga is too spiritual
The stereotype of yoga is that it only caters for the ultra-spiritual amongst us. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth and you don’t have to be the least bit ‘spiritual’ to join in. Yoga is an inclusive practice which appeals to people from all different walks of life. However, the focus on breath during the class and meditation practice which is often included does mean that you may find you have a greater mind and body connection and reduced stress levels after your yoga class.
3. Yoga is only for flexible people
We’ve all seen the pictures of the person doing yoga with their legs behind their head, but rest assured you don’t need to be flexible to take part. Yoga caters for all levels and although you’ll slowly notice that your flexibility improves over time, there is no requirement for you to be flexible to begin with.
4. Yoga is only for women
Not true at all. Yoga is popular amongst men and women alike and many of the top male athletes in the world practice yoga. Yoga has just as many physical and mental health benefits for men as it does for women and more and more men are joining in at yoga classes to increase their flexibility and stability.
Whether you’re looking for a beginners’ yoga class or something more advanced, KĀYA Health Clubs offer a range of authentic yoga classes which cater for all levels. Our experienced teachers are there to guide you throughout your yoga practice by offering support and encouragement along the way in the relaxing surrounds of our studio. We also offer complimentary yoga introduction courses for our members which allows you to learn more about the history of the discipline and introduces you to the correct technique.
To learn more about our range of genuine yoga classes, contact KĀYA today on 03 9090 1000.