In the relatively short time I've been practicing yoga, I've encountered more than one person who has said, "I don't do yoga" for one reason or another. Reasons like:

It's too "hippy dippy"
It's not "real" exercise
I like to sweat when I work out
I'm not flexible enough
I'm not the "yoga type"

Just as not everyone chooses to play in a basketball league or run a marathon, not everyone will choose to practice yoga. But, if you've ever thought of it, or if your BFF keeps asking you to try a class, or if you just want to see for yourself what all the yoga buzz is about, start here by learning some truths about yoga.

Myth 1: I'm not flexible enough to do yoga

Truth: You can increase your flexibility gradually by doing yoga. Even the most flexible yogis, who can seemingly turn themselves inside out, have only been able to get into certain asanas (physical positions/poses) through regular practice ... often practicing for months or years. And, even if you choose not to practice certain asanas (Crane Pose) yoga can still provide benefits for your body, mind, and spirit.

Myth 2: I'm not good at yoga like my friend is

Truth: The focus of yoga is not (or shouldn't be) on comparing oneself to others in class, but on noticing and observing how you as an individual feel during your practice. It is completely OK to be self-focused when practicing yoga. Being self-conscious or competitive in class goes against the very nature and spirit of yoga. Also, yogis should be careful not to push themselves so far to get a given pose "right," that they hurt themselves. Feeling a stretch in yoga is normal and okay; feeling strain or pain is not. Listen to your body.

Myth 3: I tried a yoga class and didn't like it

Truth: One negative experience does not mean you should never do yoga again. There are many types of yoga, as well as many different teachers, each with their own style. If you've been to a class and didn't care for it, remember that one yoga class won't give you enough information to determine whether a yoga practice could be beneficial to you. You might consider trying a different type of yoga, a different teacher, or a different studio. Following are a few different types of yoga:

Ashtanga: A set of specific, sequential poses.
Bikram: Also known as "hot yoga." A series of 26 poses, performed twice, in a hot/humid environment.
Hatha/Hatha Flow: Classical yoga, for all levels. This is what I teach.
Iyengar: Uses a wide variety of props like chairs, blankets and straps to help achieve postures.
Yin: A slow-paced style of yoga with postures held for longer periods of time.

It's OK to practice more than one style, depending on the needs of your body, mind, and spirit at any given time.

Myth 4: I'm not the yoga type

Truth: Yoga is for everyone! Despite some preconceived notions ... yoga is not just for those who study/practice the Hindu or Buddhist traditions, or just for skinny/fit people, or just for "hippies" searching for spiritual awakening. No matter your gender, age, size, previous experience, religion, or disability, there is likely to be a yoga class (or private practice) that works for you. Don't let the stereotypes dissuade you from giving it a try.