Why Yoga Is For Everyone

Don't even think about telling me "you're out of shape," "not flexible," or "can't touch your toes."

Unfortunately, most of the yoga that we see is online. And, despite what you may have heard, not everything online is real.......Online yoga isn't always real yoga.

Yes, those poses are gorgeous. And who doesn't want to meditate on a beach? But, that isn't what yoga is all about.

The push and pull of yoga

You see the gorgeous and bendy poses by a very svelte yogi and think "I wish I could do that or look like him/her." So you watch a yoga video online, only to find out it's much more difficult than you thought and also- why are they chanting weird sounds?

Or, maybe, you saw a picture of someone meditating or bending into a pretzel and said "No thanks! I don't have the time, patience, flexibility, or balance to event to even think about doing that."

Wouldn't it be great if that picture or video explained how long it took them to master that pose, how many shots to nail that look, how hard it is for even a seasoned yogi to find the time to practice, or, more importantly, how yoga isn't about bending over backwards (literally). Oh yeah, and if they said "You don't have to chant anything, believe anything, or do anything that you don't want to or aren't comfortable with."

What even is yoga?

I can't answer that for you. Only you can answer that one. Frustrating, huh?

I can tell you a few things that yoga isn't and a bit of what yoga is about though.

Yoga isn't just a work out, it's a mixture of asanas (poses) and meditation and/or relaxation. Essentially, you work your body and relax your mind. It's easier than it sounds.

It also isn't just stretching. A regular yoga practice can build strength and flexibility in the muscles, joints, ligaments, organs, and spine, increase circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, aid in rest in relaxation, stimulate the digestive system, and even be a low impact cardio workout.

Yoga isn't just for the physically fit. EVERY BODY can do yoga. Every one. There are modifications to every single posture. *Please note: Modification is not equal to failure, newbies, or being a suckie yogi. I use the term modification freely, in fact, I love it. I modify poses to be easier and harder for myself and others. To me, modification is customization, a way to make it authentically you. If you sit in a chair and work on pranayama (breathing exercises), use blocks to boost your lunge, or can do 12 full sun salutations you are doing yoga. Even better, each one of these examples have so many health benefits from their modification of poses and breath work.

Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is practiced by all religions, nationalities, and lifestyles. Yoga isn't set in stone. It is what you make it, take what works for you, leave everything else. Don't use Sanskrit terms if they confuse you, don't meditate on the chakras if they worry you, don't worry about prana if that isn't relevant to you. You aren't more or less a yogi for utilizing or not utilizing every part of yoga you come across.

You don't have to be a vegetarian or vegan to be a yogi. And don't worry, you don't have to give up alcohol either. Traditionally, in yoga, a practitioner would take up a vegetarian life style (they often utilized dairy) and give up alcohol. I can't even get started on the whole diet fads of today right now. Just remember- take what is relevant to you. Can vegetarianism and veganism be healthy? Of course! But, its not healthy or practical for everyone, it won't work for everyone, and some people just don't want to give up animal products. Simply starting an asana practice promotes healthier living and may just jump start healthier eating habits (that work for you.)

Yoga accepts you as you are, what phase of life you are in, and whatever it is that you believe in. Or, as my wonderful husband says, " Accept the acceptance," and just try it.

How do I start?

Sounds great right? Well, that's because it is. But, where do you go from here? There are so many options, you just have to be careful.

The internet- An obvious first option. Everything is on here. There are free videos on YouTube, classes to purchase on websites, and written tutorials. There are also apps that have great sequences and sessions for yoga AND meditation. You can do it all for free. You don't need anything except for some comfy clothes and a chair or a padded floor (think blanket, towel, or carpet). Without a live teacher you must go slow and be mindful. Just as with any exercise, ask a doctor, know your limits, take it easy, and gradually increase length and intensity.....So hard not to make a joke here.

With a yoga teacher- Where I live there aren't many typical yoga studios, not tons of class variations, and odd class times. This can make it hard to find something that works well for you, but I encourage you to at least try a public class or private lessons. You can't beat a real live instructor and the chance to see and talk with fellow yogis. Everyone will have their own tips and tricks, a fun new sequence, or a new take you haven't heard of. It's also great to have a teacher to help you find alignment, that sweet spot in spot in a pose, or correct something you didn't realize you were slightly off on.

You won't know until you try.

You know what they say, don't knock it till ya try it. Don't judge it without giving it a real go. Don't be one of those people. Just kidding. But......don't. And if there's something that worries you or makes you uncomfortable, something you can't figure out, or something that you don't want to ask a real live person, just send me an email! I want to help you find your yoga.