5 Myths About Yoga
There are many yoga misconceptions floating around, and we’re here to help clear the air. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or practice regularly, you’ve likely heard these unfounded rumors - and maybe even believed some to be true!
It’s time to debunk these myths and shed some light on all the benefits yoga has to offer.
You have to be flexible
This may be the most common misconception about yoga. Truth is, there are no prerequisites when showing up to your mat. You don’t need to be flexible to start yoga, and you’ll likely see improved flexibility as you continue your yoga journey. Like anything else in life, practice makes perfect progress.
Keep in mind that every body is different, so don’t get discouraged by comparing your practice to others. Be patient and understand that practice yields results!
2. Yoga can’t be a workout
Tell that to my core! Yoga combines physical strength, core engagement, and mental focus. Add in the heat of our studios and you’re guaranteed to burn some calories –although we think there are so many more important benefits to yoga. Some of our classes, such as MY Unwind, offer a slower and gentler approach, all practices provide some level of physical or spiritual challenge.
Many Midtown Yoga classes test strength, coordination, and balance without utilizing equipment. However, if you want to incorporate weights and cardio into your practice, MY Strength is the class for you!
If you still think yoga can’t be a workout, we challenge you to sign up for a class and see for yourself.
3. Yoga is just stretching
While most yoga classes do include stretching, they aren’t one and the same. In our yoga classes, you will move through a sequence of poses designed to improve strength, balance, and mental focus – as well as increase flexibility. Stretching focuses strictly on the movement of your muscles and improvement of your range of motion.
Both promote flexibility and increased range of motion. Yoga, however, brings the additional elements of mindfulness and balance to your practice. Yoga has also been found to enhance emotional wellness, mental clarity, and increase lung capacity.
4. Yoga is boring
We beg to disagree! There is so much opportunity to have fun in class, especially with a good playlist. Our classes are intentionally designed to challenge you both physically and mentally. We promise to keep you on your toes!
You won’t have time to get bored. And our regular arm balance and handstand workshops are all about play! Check out our themed classes, including Artist Series and Happy Hour for even more FUN!
5. All yoga is the same
Yoga is not one single practice. From Kundalini to Restorative to Vinyasa, there are many different styles of yoga. Some classes, like our monthly Friday Night Nidra, don’t offer any movement at all and focus completely on the mental aspect of the practice, while other classes are physically rigorous.
All types offer the opportunity to relieve stress and improve health through movement. At Midtown Yoga, we offer a variety of classes, including MY Unwind (restorative/yin) and MY Strength (yoga plus weight training). Even our signature MY hot flow class is different from class to class and instructor to instructor!
