When someone says YOGA, what is the image that first comes to your mind? A muscular oriental man in a loin cloth twisting himself into a pretzel, looking like if you untied him now, he'd never be able to stand up straight again? Or an elderly lady sitting with her eyes closed, legs crossed, chanting OM? Most people that have never tried yoga before are either intimidated by it, or, quite the contrary, they think it's a piece of cake; a rather boring, slow exercise... can it even be called exercise? You hold one leg up, then one arm up... zzzzz....

In certain instances, yoga can be that. The tough discipline bordering on acrobacy that only a few will master, or the very gentle, meditative practice that doesn't require much more physical effort than cooking a cup of tea (however, the mental effort is far greater!). There are many shades of yoga, and many different schools and paths. There is something for everyone. No matter who you are, I can guarantee you that you can draw immense, life-long benefits from practicing yoga.

Here is why:

It gives you energy and focus.

It is one of the best stress-reduction techniques you can find. 

It gives you a strong, healthy back, and improves your posture.

It helps reduce or even eliminate pain caused by injury, or by using your body improperly for a long time.

It improves coordination.

It makes you stronger, fitter, more agile and much more flexible.

It balances your body. By focusing on symmetry, yoga can undo many problems caused by favouring only one side, whether it's in the hips, shoulders, arms or neck.

It helps you sleep better.

It improves your digestion.

It makes you look -- and feel -- younger.

 

Now I would like to dispel some common myths people believe about yoga:

 MYTH #1: I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE TO DO YOGA.

“I’m stiff as a board” is the most common excuse I hear from people when they are asked why they don’t want to do yoga. This kind of argument is about as good as saying “I’m too fat to go for a walk!” You BUILD your flexibility as you practice; you don’t need to be flexible to start with! Moreover, flexibility is only one aspect of yoga, and it’s certainly not crucial to your practice. You will reap exactly the same benefits from a pose if you do not touch your toes/head/nose to the ground as the person who does, as long as you are doing your best!

 
MYTH #2: I NEED LOTS OF TIME AND THE RIGHT KIND OF PLACE TO DO YOGA.

Inability to find time and space is people’s second most common complaint. Excuses, excuses. Have ten minutes in the morning? Do twelve sun salutations and you are ready to go. Have only three minutes? Do four. Sitting in your office, waiting for a fax to go through and your shoulders are killing you? Get up and do gomukhasana, the eagle or the dog against the wall. Stuck in a queue or standing in a tube? Do a beautiful, perfect tadasana.

To do yoga, you do not need any special equipment. For a proper session, you will need about two square meters of floor space. And a mat.

Allow yourself the luxury of at least one proper class a week. It will be your special time, and a time well spent. I will make it easier for you and come to you when it’s convenient.

MYTH #3: YOGA IS TOO ESOTERIC FOR ME

Make no mistake about this one: the yoga I and the majority of teachers in the West teach is very, very physical, and as such, very practical. You will get to feel real effects, immediately. This system of yoga is called HATHA YOGA, and it’s an umbrella term for all yoga concerned with movement and exercise. It was developed as a method to bring optimal health, fitness and suppleness to the body so that the student could sustain long periods of meditation. You might not plan to meditate for long periods of time, but wouldn’t it be great to go through your life in the best health possible, whatever you do?  

MYTH #4: YOGA IS TOO SLOW AND BORING. I’M AFRAID IT WOULD PUT ME TO SLEEP. I NEED A PROPER WORKOUT!

Yoga can be incredibly dynamic. Although in asanas you usually hold still, it will often take all your concentration, energy and strength to stay still. And if that’s still not enough, we can add some flow.

Yoga will work your WHOLE BODY. One hundred percent of it, from your little toe to the scalp on the top of your head. Don’t believe me? Try and see for yourself. You will discover whole muscle groups that you didn’t know you had. Your body may complain at first: you might grunt and groan like a bear after a long winter sleep. You might get the occasional cramp, too. Your muscles will protest: you want me to do WHAT? But that will pass, and soon you will be surprising yourself with what you can do. It’s quite a thrill to do your own first headstand!