Yoga: The Misconceptions

I've been practicing yoga for about a year and a half or so.  I think there are a lot of misconceptions.

Things I hear often:

"You do yoga?  Wow, you must really be flexible." 

"I've always wanted to do yoga."

"Show me your backbend."

My response:

Flexible?  Somewhat.  Better than the first time I ever stepped on a yoga mat, but always a work in progress. 

The purpose of yoga IS NOT about the contortion of your body and the poses.  That's certainly part of it.  There are positions and poses I cannot do-yet-but that doesn't mean I will or won't. Yoga is about breathing (still a huge struggle for me) and coordinating the breaths with the movements.   An "easy" pose today may be your most challenging tomorrow.  

So, you always wanted to do yoga...what is stopping you? Find a class and go.   You'll be glad you did. 

"Show me your backbend":  I'm not a circus animal.  I can't do things like a backbend on command.   As with most things, it requires a warm up.   It also generally requires for me a yoga mat.  (Carpet doesn't provide the stability I need...also doing it while not dressed in workout attire usually ends in an epic fail.)

Here's my confession:  Yoga is, by far, the most intense full-body workout I've ever done.  I do other things at the gym (machines, elliptical, free weights) but I believe that yoga is responsible for the toning I've experienced.   

When you go to a class-just go at your own pace.   I prefer Ashtanga yoga.  It's a set routine for the most part.   Just do your best.  Yoga isn't a competitive sport. It's about you-and where you are today. It will take some time to get accustomed to it.   Just enjoy it.  Listen to your body.  Challenge yourself.