When you say the words meditation, serene, tranquillity, and zen, perhaps the first picture you imagine is a person doing a yoga pose on the top of a hill. These words generally describe the feeling people achieve when they attend a Chinese yoga class. Who doesn’t want zen in their stressful life anyway?

Yet, despite the attractive benefits yoga gives to your physical, mental, and spiritual health, some people are still hesitant to approach a yoga teacher for training in Singapore. The culprit? The myths and misconceptions surrounding yoga!

Myths And Misconceptions That Drive People Away From Yoga

If you think that there is no more difficult than untwisting pretzel-like yoga poses, you are wrong. It is harder to untangle the twisted myths and misconceptions that have long plagued yoga. Don’t be embarrassed if you were once a believer in these myths; your Chinese yoga teacher will just sweep it under the rug and proceed to show you the truth through a Chinese yoga class.

Here are the truths behind the most common yoga myths and misconceptions:

MYTH #1: Yoga is a religion

Some people conjure an image of a monk meditating in a hermit temple in the middle of the forest when they think of yoga. And of course, people often link monks to several religions; hence yoga is a religion.

Truth:

Yoga is not a religion but rather a practice rooted in several religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Firstly, everyone can sign up for yoga, whether they belong to any religion or not.

Secondly, people enrolling in a Chinese yoga class don’t have to sign a creed or perform a ritual to be able to perform yoga.

Thirdly, all people, regardless of religion, have body, mind, and soul. The goal of your yoga instructor for each course in Singapore is to harmonise these three, no matter what your beliefs are.

Whether you are a Christian, Buddhist, or Agnostic, you are welcome to join a yoga class.

MYTH #2: You should change your lifestyle after yoga

Most yoga instructors are wellness enthusiasts, whilst some of them practise a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. These things give a notion that yoga means a lifestyle change.

Truth:

Although lifestyle change is encouraged in yoga classes, it is never a requirement for beginners and veterans. Your yoga teacher for yoga training in Singapore will never force you to do so.

But most students discover the importance of a healthy lifestyle throughout their yoga journey. Most of them alter their lifestyle gradually but not entirely. Some may decide to give up alcohol and junk food from their diet, while others become vegetarian.

Others try to exercise regularly and leave their sedentary lifestyle. Some quit their vices, such as cigarette smoking.

Besides dietary modifications, people also improve their attitude and behaviour as part of lifestyle changes, such as becoming better at anger management and more respectful towards others.

A single Chinese yoga class cannot change you overnight; it is a gradual process.

MYTH #3: Yoga is for women only

Or perhaps, men can’t do yoga. It is true that the majority of people who practise yoga are women, but it does not mean that men cannot do yoga as well. This perception may have been rooted in the graceful movement often linked more to femininity than masculinity.

Truth:

Historically speaking, yoga is believed to have been started by Brahmins or male religious teachers.

Yoga benefits men, women, and members of the third sex. It helps people to have a healthy mind and body regardless of their sex.

Additionally, the ratio of male yoga practitioners to female practitioners is improving throughout the years. So, don’t be surprised to see a male Chinese yoga teacher in one of your classes.

MYTH #4: Yoga is for flexible younger people

One of the reasons people shy away from yoga is their stiff bodies. They don’t think they can achieve pretzel-like poses without cracking their bones.

It is for the same reason why older people don’t attend Chinese yoga class courses, thinking their flexibility has already passed.

Truth:

Yoga is beneficial for people of all ages. Anyone, whether you are 18 years old or 80 years old, can approach a ‌ yoga teacher to attend yoga training in Singapore. It is completely okay if your body is as stiff as a paddleboard.

In fact, yoga can increase your body’s flexibility, strength, and balance. Beginners usually start with fundamental poses that don’t require twisting your body 180 degrees.

You will surely improve and achieve more complex forms through practice.

It is vital for elderlies to seek a doctor’s advice, especially those who had suffered from physical injuries before signing up for class. It is also advisable to inform the yoga instructor for the course in Singapore about your condition beforehand.

MYTH #5: Yoga is just another type of exercise that involves stretching

Some people think that yoga is just another health and exercise trend that involves stretching. It is just another name for Tai chi and pilates.

Truth:

By definition, exercise is a physical activity or routine that helps improve physical fitness. Exercise is leaning toward enhancing physical and a little bit of mental health. Your yoga instructor for the course in Singapore will teach you more than that.

Yoga is a practice that involves various physical movements, breathing control, relaxation, and meditation. The discipline also touches the mental and spiritual aspects of the person.

Although yoga, Tai Chi, and pilates are low-impact physical routines, these disciplines are different. Tai Chi and Qi Gong have dance-like movements and martial arts forms, whereas yoga has movements that increase vitality, improve breathing, and foster positive thinking.

Pilates improves flexibility and balance, same as yoga, but it also strengthens the core and tones your muscles.

You can always attend a Chinese yoga class and Tai Chi class if you want the benefits of the two disciplines.

Takeaway

There are tons of ways to live a healthier life, and one of them is practising yoga. Attending a Chinese yoga class has many benefits, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Don’t let these myths stop you from trying out yoga!