The world of social media can lead us to believe that the only people who practice yoga are young flexible females! Luckily, this isn't the case at all. As yoga continues to infiltrate the modern world, more and more people are coming to the practice, meaning that a regular studio class is likely to have a very diverse mix of people from all walks of life. At Zenko, we love having a mix of genders, ages and experience in all of our classes, and our teachers are all proficient at catering the classes to suit this varied demographic.
Oftentimes we find that when we have newcomers come to class, they admit that despite wanting to join a class for some time, their ideas around the type of people who practice yoga had been holding them back from setting foot in the door.
The great news is- yoga is for every body. Read on as we dispel the most common myths around yoga that will leave you feeling much more at ease about coming along to class!
Myth #1: You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga
This is possibly the most common myth of all! However, yoga is designed to help you improve flexibility, and therefore, it does not assume that you already possess a wide range of motion in your body. Keep in mind that the reality is, every human body is different and capable of a unique level of flexibility and movement. You certainly dont need to be able to touch your toes in order to attend a yoga class! A consistent yoga practice will help you to improve your flexibility over time. Tight hamstrings? Stiff shoulders? Even more reason to get along to class!
Myth #2: Yoga is For Young People
Switch off your instagram feed and pop into a regular yoga studio and you will see that classes are generally a mix of all age groups. Unfortunately, a lot of yoga advertising displays young, slim, active women, yet in reality, yoga really is for all age groups. Yoga is in fact a perfect practice as you progress through life as it supports you exactly where you are at. Yoga will keep you feeling healthy, subtle and strong- a great reason to maintain your practice the older you get!
Myth #3: Yoga Isn’t for People with Injuries
If you are suffering from an injury or recovery from an injury, you may feel weary of yoga. However, studies have shown that yoga is a wonderful way to assist recovery. If you have general body pain or discomfort commonly caused from modern life, then these common issues can be greatly assisted with a yoga practice. If you partake in a lot of cardio or weight training, yoga can also be a terrific addition to your routine and help with flexibility, mobility and recovery. Of course, be mindful of your injury and also alert the teacher of your injury so that they can help you modify poses where necessary.
Myth #4: You Have to Have the Right Yoga Clothing
Good news- practicing yoga is best done in clothing you feel comfortable in. Something slightly fitted yet loose is perfect to allow movement and breathability. Simple leggings, a comfortable t-shirt or singlet and supportive undergarments are all you need. Don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune on expensive yoga clothing in order to come to class. Remember that at its core, yoga is about non-judgement, so go as you are.
Myth #5: You’re Going to Stand on Your Head
This is very unlikely- especially in a Zenko yoga class! In fact, if you are new to yoag in a Zenko class we assure you that you will not be standing on your head! In general in any class, you are never going to be forced to do a pose that you do not feel comfortable doing or have experience with. Advanced poses do not form your average yoga class and certainly are not representative of a beginners yoga class. If you never do a headstand in your entire yoga journey, it makes absolutely no difference at all.
Myth #6: You Will Have to Chant or Om
Every yoga studio and teacher is different and will bring different elements to the class. At Zenko, we do not chant or Om in our classes. We do have beautiful music on while the classes are running. Yet rest assured you will not be required to sing at any stage! We think chanting is a beautiful part of yoga, but we understand it isnt a common part that most people are comfortable with. For those that do love chanting, we love offering specific kirtan nights throughout the year for those that do really connect with this aspect of yoga.
Myth #7: Everyone Will be More Advanced Than You
Everyone is on their own journey when it comes to yoga. Chances are in any yoga class there will be a mix of students who have been practicing for a different durations. At Zenko our teachers will offer modifications for poses which allow all levels to practice alongside one another. If it is your first class, then it is advisable to start with our gentle classes and then slow classes before heading straight for the power classes. If you are still a little uncertain, we also offer Beginner Workshops throughout the year that are the perfect introduction for those new to the practice.
Inspired? Ready to join us?! Send us an email at [email protected] if you wish to try a week pass for free!
Our next Beginner Workshop is being held on Saturday October 3rd for 4 consecutive weeks. Click here to sign up!
Oftentimes we find that when we have newcomers come to class, they admit that despite wanting to join a class for some time, their ideas around the type of people who practice yoga had been holding them back from setting foot in the door.
The great news is- yoga is for every body. Read on as we dispel the most common myths around yoga that will leave you feeling much more at ease about coming along to class!
Myth #1: You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga
This is possibly the most common myth of all! However, yoga is designed to help you improve flexibility, and therefore, it does not assume that you already possess a wide range of motion in your body. Keep in mind that the reality is, every human body is different and capable of a unique level of flexibility and movement. You certainly dont need to be able to touch your toes in order to attend a yoga class! A consistent yoga practice will help you to improve your flexibility over time. Tight hamstrings? Stiff shoulders? Even more reason to get along to class!
Myth #2: Yoga is For Young People
Switch off your instagram feed and pop into a regular yoga studio and you will see that classes are generally a mix of all age groups. Unfortunately, a lot of yoga advertising displays young, slim, active women, yet in reality, yoga really is for all age groups. Yoga is in fact a perfect practice as you progress through life as it supports you exactly where you are at. Yoga will keep you feeling healthy, subtle and strong- a great reason to maintain your practice the older you get!
Myth #3: Yoga Isn’t for People with Injuries
If you are suffering from an injury or recovery from an injury, you may feel weary of yoga. However, studies have shown that yoga is a wonderful way to assist recovery. If you have general body pain or discomfort commonly caused from modern life, then these common issues can be greatly assisted with a yoga practice. If you partake in a lot of cardio or weight training, yoga can also be a terrific addition to your routine and help with flexibility, mobility and recovery. Of course, be mindful of your injury and also alert the teacher of your injury so that they can help you modify poses where necessary.
Myth #4: You Have to Have the Right Yoga Clothing
Good news- practicing yoga is best done in clothing you feel comfortable in. Something slightly fitted yet loose is perfect to allow movement and breathability. Simple leggings, a comfortable t-shirt or singlet and supportive undergarments are all you need. Don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune on expensive yoga clothing in order to come to class. Remember that at its core, yoga is about non-judgement, so go as you are.
Myth #5: You’re Going to Stand on Your Head
This is very unlikely- especially in a Zenko yoga class! In fact, if you are new to yoag in a Zenko class we assure you that you will not be standing on your head! In general in any class, you are never going to be forced to do a pose that you do not feel comfortable doing or have experience with. Advanced poses do not form your average yoga class and certainly are not representative of a beginners yoga class. If you never do a headstand in your entire yoga journey, it makes absolutely no difference at all.
Myth #6: You Will Have to Chant or Om
Every yoga studio and teacher is different and will bring different elements to the class. At Zenko, we do not chant or Om in our classes. We do have beautiful music on while the classes are running. Yet rest assured you will not be required to sing at any stage! We think chanting is a beautiful part of yoga, but we understand it isnt a common part that most people are comfortable with. For those that do love chanting, we love offering specific kirtan nights throughout the year for those that do really connect with this aspect of yoga.
Myth #7: Everyone Will be More Advanced Than You
Everyone is on their own journey when it comes to yoga. Chances are in any yoga class there will be a mix of students who have been practicing for a different durations. At Zenko our teachers will offer modifications for poses which allow all levels to practice alongside one another. If it is your first class, then it is advisable to start with our gentle classes and then slow classes before heading straight for the power classes. If you are still a little uncertain, we also offer Beginner Workshops throughout the year that are the perfect introduction for those new to the practice.
Inspired? Ready to join us?! Send us an email at [email protected] if you wish to try a week pass for free!
Our next Beginner Workshop is being held on Saturday October 3rd for 4 consecutive weeks. Click here to sign up!
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