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Yoga: Myth vs. Fact
It’s an age-old exercise that’s great for people of all ages. Here’s what you need to know.
BY N I COL E AB ENDROTH
Chances are you’ve heard of yoga. The exercise has soared in popularity over the past decade — and with good reason. Its combination of low-impact movements and deep breathing can tone muscles, boost flexibility and balance, and bust stress. But despite all those benefits, some people still have doubts and questions about it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at yoga’s most common misconceptions.
Myth: Only people of certain religions can practice yoga
Fact : Yoga is practiced by people of all faiths and religions, in the same way it’s enjoyed by participants of all genders, age groups, and fitness levels. Today more than 37million Americans — people from all walks of life, with all sorts of beliefs — do yoga on a regular basis. Myth: You need good flexibility and balance to do yoga Fact: You don’t have to be an acrobat to do yoga. But you’ll probably see your balance and flexibility improve once you start practicing it on a regular basis. A typical yoga routine is based around movements — known as poses — that target different muscle groups. Transitioning in and out of the poses builds muscle and boosts coordination, both of which help improve stability and increase range of motion. The more you flex, extend, rotate, and bend, the more progress you’ll make toward better posture, decreased joint pain, and reduced risk of falls or injury.
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