10 Myths About Yoga

It’s funny that even though Yoga is gaining popularity all around the world, there is gross ignorance about what it truly is. Even funnier (or should I say unfortunate) is the fact that the ignorance is more rampant in India itself where Yoga originated.


When I tell people that I’m a Yoga teacher, I come across different kinds of reactions that show how little people actually know about it. I don’t blame them for not knowing, because most media and even trainers promote only what can be popular or useful for attracting more clients.


So today, for those who are health conscious but are wondering if Yoga is for you, I list a few myths about Yoga to give you a clearer picture.


Myth 1: Yoga = Losing weight

“You’re doing Yoga? But you’re so thin! You’ll disappear if you do Yoga!” These are the reactions that make me laugh (and cry) the most.

Yoga helps bring the body to its optimum shape/ size. This means that if you are fat, it will make you lose the excess fat from the right places in your body. If you’re too thin, it helps you get healthier. If you are just fine, it will help you remain that way.

When people see me today, they claim that I have filled-out and look much better. I’ve not lost or even gained any weight. Another thing, Yoga can help lose weight, but that would be very limited use of the benefits of Yoga. There's much more to it than 'looking good'. It's about 'feeling and being good'. 


Myth 2: Yoga = Asanas

Many times people ask me, “How many times a day and for how long do you practice Yoga?” I’ve heard people proudly sharing their daily routine, saying, “At 6 am, I go for a brisk walk, then I come home and do Yoga for 1 hour and then have a healthy glass of vegetable juice…”

Newsflash: Yoga is not only Asanas. Asanas are only a small part of Yoga, in fact Asana is considered the third step out of eight in Patanjali Yoga. Actually, Yoga is a way of life. You eat, breathe, sleep, walk and talk Yoga. Having a balanced state of mind throughout the day is what it is all about. The physical aspect is just the kindergarten part (and we’re all generally stuck there for years. Did I say years? I meant lifetimes!).

So next time if someone asks you for how long you practice Yoga, you will say...that's right... "24X7" (Provided you actually do).

To be continued...
Stay Healthy!