Yoga can benefit many aspects of your life, from improving your posture and building core strength, to enhancing your ability to focus and alleviating stress. But misconceptions about its practice keep a lot of people from seeking and experiencing these benefits through yoga. Sarah Goble, ERYT 500, regional manager for Northwest region and studio manager at CorePower Yoga in Seattle, Wash., which is set to open in early September, believes in making yoga accessible for everyone. For this reason, she offered the following explanations in order to debunk six of the most common misperceptions she hears.
Myth: I have to be flexible to do yoga.
If your only hesitation about trying yoga is that you think you aren’t flexible enough, you might actually be the perfect candidate. One of the main ideas behind practicing yoga is to increase flexibility. Yoga is about becoming more flexible both physically and mentally. We practice yoga not to tie ourselves in knots, but to unravel those knots, physically and mentally. Inflexibility is a big reason why you should consider taking a trip to the yoga studio.
Myth: Yoga is just for women.
Yoga has existed for thousands of years, and was actually primarily taught by men until the last century. While it has increased in popularity among women in recent years, everyone can benefit from practicing yoga, regardless of your personal strength, flexibility orgender. In fact, the number of men who practice yoga is continually growing; many professional male athletes have discovered yoga’s cross-training benefits.
Myth: Yoga is boring.
The multiple styles of yoga you can practice make it anything but boring. For example, at CorePower Yoga, we teach a vigorous style of yoga. Every class incorporates cardio elements and core strengthening, and students are encouraged to test their physical limits. Our yoga sessions are set to modern music to create an invigorating environment. Classes follow a moderate pace to match your active mind, but eventually help you slow down your thoughts and relax.
Myth: If I’m already physically active, I won’t receive any additional benefits from yoga.
If you run, bike or engage in other athletic activities, yoga can serve as a great complementary exercise. Cross training helps you build strength, control and endurance, which will help you improve your performance in your sport of choice. For example, yoga can help runners lengthen their stride and therefore shorten their race times. Building core strength through yoga can also help athletes prevent injuries and reduce all-too-frequent lower back pain.
Myth: I can’t do yoga because I like to eat meat and relax with a beer or glass of wine.
There are no requirements to live a certain lifestyle or eat specific types of food in order to participate in yoga. Regardless of these lifestyle choices, you can still greatly benefit from its practice. However, you may actually find yourself leaning toward a healthier lifestyle as you become more involved in yoga.
Myth: I have to change my religion to practice yoga.
Modern yoga incorporates all different walks of life and unifies a wide variety of belief systems. At CorePower Yoga, we practice a secular form of yoga. Regardless of religion, you can benefit from the practice. It’s simply a way to become more connected to your body and be more skillful in your life.
About Sarah Goble
Sarah Goble began practicing yoga after college, and has since trained with master teachers in the United States and India. She now serves as the manager of the Ballard CorePower Yoga studio in Seattle and regional manager and director of teacher training for CorePower Yoga’s Northwest Region. CorePower Yoga strives to increase awareness and widespread adoption of yoga by making yoga accessible to everyone, through a variety of yoga styles, for beginners and more advanced yoga students, and class times to meet any schedule.
The newest location for CorePower Yoga in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood will open in early September, and all new students will receive one free week of unlimited yoga classes. For more information, or to download your coupon for a free week of yoga classes, visit www.corepoweryoga.com/yoga-studio/washington/seattle-ballard.