1. I’m Not Flexible
Social media is filled with images of flexible yogis who move their bodies in mind-boggling ways, which could lead you to believe yoga is exclusively reserved for flexible individuals. But let’s be real; now is the time for a reality check.
Yoga should not be practiced to become flexible; rather it should help increase one’s flexibility and versatility, according to Samantha Clayton of Los Angeles who holds ISSA-accreditations as a yoga educator mentor as well as National Academy of Sports Medication certification as fitness trainer. “Everyone must start somewhere; each pose can be adjusted to your personal flexibility journey.”
Yoga (and its stretching component) can benefit all levels of exercisers. Even though you might never reach Instagram-ready yogis’ levels of flexibility overnight, your flexibility will improve with practice over time – most notice results after three to four months, according to Clayton (who doubles up as Vice President for Overall Games Execution & Qualification for Herbalife Sustenance as well as being an Olympic sprinter).
2.I Have Back Pain
Good news! Yoga may help. According to Samantha Parker, an activity physiologist from the US Flying corps in Washington, DC who also holds Yoga Partnership Certified Teacher and Worldwide Relationship of Yoga-Ensured Advisor status. In short, Yoga practices can be modified for nearly every medical condition that arises, according to Samantha Parker – one who can adjust yoga practices according to your specific health issues and medical issues.
Assuming you suffer from glaucoma (an eye disease that damages optic nerves), Parker suggests you need to try not to drop your head underneath your heart by altering specific postures, which requires changing specific positions.
Medical issues should never stop you from practicing yoga; however, if you’re uncertain if yoga is right for you or have one and don’t know where to begin, Parker suggests consulting your primary care physician first and asking whether any alterations or precautions need to be taken prior to beginning practice.
Precede yoga classes by discussing any moves you wish to avoid with your instructor and seeking their advice before class begins. They should have the option to show modifications that could help. (If they are certified yoga advisors, however, this person could provide specific advice regarding specific health conditions as well.)
3. I’m Concerned The Spiritual Side Will Struggle With My Religious Beliefs
Yoga may often be associated with Hinduism and Buddhism; however, practicing it does not necessitate religious beliefs of any kind, according to Yoga Coalition.
Yoga may offer benefits related to harmony and purpose that some may equate with spirituality, Parker says. If this approach doesn’t appeal to you, consider finding classes and educators who focus solely on the physical components of yoga practice.
4. Yoga Is for Ladies
Women comprise the vast majority of yoga members — 72% female to 28% male according to the 2016 Yoga in America study — yet its benefits apply equally well for any individual interested in their wellbeing.
“Yoga can assist everyone with improving joint mobility, range of motion and core strength,” according to Clayton. It can assist people across various sports ranging from weight lifting and running to golf and much more with reaching their performance objectives. In addition, yoga provides strong control with great stance while at the same time balance out muscles and ligaments that may not stand out enough in other exercises.
5. Yoga Is Just Glorified Stretching
Yoga involves stretching, but you gain much more than flexibility and portability from it. Yoga builds fortitude: “Many moves include holding one’s own body weight as an obstacle,” which provides opportunities to build strength and perseverance, according to Clayton.
According to a June 2015 review published by Proof Based Integral and Elective Medication, for example, a 12-week yoga program focused on increasing flexibility as well as cardiovascular endurance in healthy adults in a gathering setting. Furthermore, strong strength was developed during the program as well.
6. I Don’t Possess Loads Of Spare Energy For Yoga
Parker does not sugarcoat it when she hears of such stories: “You still have time; you just prefer spending it doing other activities,” she states bluntly.
Parker notes there’s no minimum or maximum duration you need to practice yoga, depending on what results you want from the session. Longer yoga meetings may offer greater advantages (depending on why and what results are desired), yet even shorter ones can boost mental wellness, alleviate stress and increase physical wellness. You can do basic yoga movements at your workplace to alleviate pain, boost intellectual capacity and lower tension; or complete five minutes of Sun Welcome in the morning or early evening for equivalent results.
7. Yoga Will Hinder Other Types Of Training
Due to the supportive, strengthening and relaxing features of yoga, experts consider it an excellent complement for most physical work activities. Tight muscles become weak muscles without proper flexibility training, making it harder to access your full power potential according to Parker. By practicing yoga you may find you perform better during strength training and vigorous physical activities such as running.
Yoga provides muscles with much-needed relief from other exercises. According to Parker, most forms of yoga are intended to heal and aid dynamic recovery.
Parker suggests finding an appropriate yoga practice to complement other forms of movement you are engaging in, like strength training and cardio. If strength training is your focus, look for one with an emphasis on flexibility and versatility; otherwise if cardio is your mainstay, choose one which helps build endurance; if training for an upcoming race or event is your main focus then consider one with supportive yoga postures as part of its plan.
