What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘yogi’?
Maybe it’s someone wearing mala beads around their neck, permanently smelling of incense. Maybe it’s someone wearing very fancy yoga pants and drinking a green juice. Or maybe it’s someone who ends every social interaction with a very calm and serene ‘namaste‘.
Okay, these stereotypes might exist for a reason – and there’s nothing wrong with them! But it’s important to know that yoga is for everyone, even if you don’t feel like you fit into that image of what you think a yogi is.
Here are our top 5 yogi myths that we’d like to bust.
Yogi myth 1: Yogis are flexible.
Erm…my super tight hamstrings would have to disagree with you there! It’s a really common misconception that you have to be flexible to practice yoga, but it’s just that – a misconception. Yes, yoga helps you build flexibility, but the idea that you have to be a contortionist to practice just isn’t true š thank goodness for that!
Yogi myth 2- Yogis wear ā¬200 yoga pants.
This time, it’d be my bank account that has to disagree. You don’t need super stylish clothes to get on the mat – anything that you feel comfortable in is perfect, even if it’s a hand-me-down pair of leggings and a t-shirt from Penneys. Heck, even your PJs will do! š
Yogi myth 3 –Ā Yogis have to do a physical yoga practice every day.
Life happens. Sometimes we don’t get our time on the mat, and that’s okay. Instead of beating yourself up about it or holding yourself to some impossible standard, treat yourself with the kindness and compassion you would a friend. And practicing that kindness?Ā That’sĀ yoga.
Yogi myth 4 – Yoga’s not for men.
Actually, if we’re looking at the traditional side of things, back in it’s roots yoga was primarily a men’s activity. As it became more westernised and trendy, it also became more associated with women. The truth is, yoga has something to offer everybody – male or female. And we love seeing so many awesome guys practicing in our studio!
Yogi myth 5 – Yogis are always calm.
Actually, a lot of the time, it’s the total opposite! Yoga attracts a lot of us to help us bring some calm to our stressed out monkey minds. While it definitely makes you more zen, we all have our moments, whether we practiced that morning or not. Yogis still get road rage and argue with their spouse about who’s turn it is to take out the bins. No-one’s perfect.
The truth is, if you do yoga, you’re a yogi. Simple as that! You don’t need to wait until you can touch your toes or afford some fancy yoga pants to claim the title. Showing up to the mat is all you need to do š
