Yoga? Really?

Afraid of yoga? Think it’s not for you? YogaVibes gives you the skinny on common fears, misperceptions and excuses so you can start vibing.

I don’t have cool yoga clothes.
You don’t need them. (The sexy yoga threads tend to come later once you’re really into yoga and know what you like). For now, wear comfortable exercise clothes you already own. Tops should be somewhat fitting so they don’t ride over your head and block your eyes during your practice. Yoga is done barefoot, so strip the socks and forget about pricey workout shoes.

I don’t have a mat.
Ok, this one’s kind of essential. You really need a yoga mat for safety so you don’t slip on the rug or the floor. But you don’t need a fancy, expensive mat with cool designs from a specialty store or Web site to get started. Pick a basic mat up at Target or TJ Max or even Barnes & Noble. Once you’re committed to yoga, you may want to upgrade to a thicker, higher-quality mat, like those sold by Manduka. But there’s time for that.

Related concern: my mat is too slippery.
My hands keep sliding. The higher quality mats do tend to be less slippery. But as with everything yoga, mat preferences are highly individual. If you’re really having problems, here are two solutions. Wash your mat by itself in your washing machine with laundry detergent; then hang dry before using again. Also, some people apply hand chalk used by gymnasts to keep sweaty palms dry.

I’m not a pretzel or an athlete and I can’t dance.
Yoga isn’t just for Gumby and his clay-figure friends or former ballerinas and gymnasts. There are lots of styles and levels of yoga out there, so find something that works for you. Try some of our suggested beginner classes. You don’t have to do a handstand to reap the physical and mental benefits of practicing yoga.

I’ve run 10 marathons. So sitting around breathing isn’t my idea of a workout.
Yoga is a physical practice that combines athletic movements with an emphasis on the breath. And its physical benefits—improved strength and flexibility and support for the cardiac, nervous, respiratory and endocrine systems—are well-documented. But make sure you choose the right yoga class for you. If you want to sweat and you’re already in shape, don’t choose a class with gentle in the title. On the other hand, just because you’re in shape doesn’t mean yoga won’t kick your butt. Classes in the Vinyasa style tend to move more quickly between poses, creating more of an aerobic effect. But sometimes holding poses longer in a slower-paced class is a better muscle builder. Many sports, such as running, tend to tighten muscles in ways that can lead to injury. Yoga is a great way to cross-train and prevent injuries. The non-physical benefits of yoga, such as an improved mental focus, can even help your golf game or tennis swing. So check out our more advanced beginner classes or yoga for athletes.

I’m not a Size 2.
Neither are we. While it’s true that many yoga practitioners are lean and lithe, you don’t have to be a teenie-weenie before you step on a mat. Yes, a dedicated yoga practice will help you lose weight, gain muscle strength and develop a leaner body. But much of one’s initial flexibility depends on genetics, past injuries and individual anatomy, as well as an emotional willingness to explore yoga. Often the traditionally “fittest” students have the tightest muscles. And there’s always a style, class and teacher appropriate for each student. Remember yoga is a mind-body practice, not just a physical workout.

I eat meat and like it.
Keep eating. You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to try a yoga class or even develop a dedicated practice. However, many yoga students do interpret the yogic philosophical restraint Ahimsa, or nonharming, to include non eating animals. Let your practice be your guide in this matter.

I don’t speak Sanskrit.
Nobody does, really, anymore. Sanskrit is one of the classical languages of India that predates its modern tongues. It remains a ceremonial and liturgical language of Hinduism and Buddhism, akin to Latin’s place in Catholicism. And scholars of Hinduism, Buddhism and yoga study historical and sacred Sanskrit texts. Some yoga teachers do use the Sanskrit names of yoga poses while teaching, which can be confusing at first, but allows for a deeper connection with yoga’s roots. The key thing to remember is almost every Sanskrit pose name ends in “asana,” or Sanskrit for pose. For example, Trikonasana literally means Triangle Pose.

I’m a practicing Christian/Jew/Muslim/atheist. Why should I try a Buddhist/Hindu practice?
Yoga is not a religion or a doctrinal religious practice, although it grew out of Hindu and Buddhist traditions as it developed in India. Yoga isn’t about believing in a specific god or gods and so anyone can practice yoga without compromising their religious beliefs. At its core, though, yoga is a spiritual practice that directs practitioners to access their own spirituality and understanding of the divine. But atheists are welcome to ignore this aspect of yoga and concentrate on the physical and mental benefits only. Some classes concentrate more on the physical, while others emphasize a fuller understanding of yoga. As with everything related to one’s yoga practice, choose classes, teachers and styles that appeal you.

I tried yoga once and didn’t like it.
Yeah, and I’m sure there’s lots of things you had to try more than once before getting hooked. But the world of yoga is so diverse and yoga practice is so personal that it makes sense to experiment with different styles and teachers before deciding you truly don’t like it.

I’m scared of getting injured.
Listen to your body every time you practice yoga. In fact, yoga is great for developing mind-body awareness. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. A basic rule of thumb is that muscle sensation and tension are generally OK; joint pain never is. Teachers often offer more than one way to practice a posture, or what’s known as modifications, to make sure everyone can practice safely. Start with beginner classes and take time to review our free instructional yoga videos and class previews to help you get comfortable.

I’m afraid people will laugh at me.
That’s why you’re practicing in the privacy of your home with an online yoga video. But seriously, even in live classes nobody is ridiculed. Respect for others and a sense of community are basic tenets of yoga. In every class, including the ones we offer online, you’ll see a range of ability.