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5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Yoga

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryant chapter.

Yoga, as a practice, has been around for centuries. It’s become so popular that yoga classes can be found at most gyms and on most college campuses. However, some collegiettes are turned off by the common myths surrounding yoga. So we’ve busted these myths, and are encouraging you to try something new!

Myth 1. Yoga Will Make You a Hippy

Yes, some people who practice yoga are hippy-dippy granola types. But yoga is all about your personal experience, not conforming to someone else’s. So unless you were already reaching for the vegan cheese-just keep doing you.

Reality

 

Myth 2. All Yoga is the Same

So you can’t do a handstand (or even balance on one leg.) You can still practice yoga! There are many branches of yoga, each with varying philosophies about the practice. If you’re an athlete, you can find a vigorous class. Conversely, if you’re a beginner, you can find a slower, more meditation orientated class. And with a minimal Google search, you can find a class catering to anything in between.

Reality

 

Myth 3. Only People with Perfect Bodies Can do Yoga

The idea of walking into a yoga studio can bring on major gymtimidation. But everyone from college students to retired grandparents can (and do) practice yoga. For instance, most poses have modifications (to make them accessible for every skill level) that provide the same benefits. So no matter where you are on your fitness journey, you can fully participate in the practice.

Reality

 

Myth 4. You Need a Yoga Wardrobe

 

Leggings are a staple in most collegiettes’ wardrobes. But as much as we love them, specific “yoga” leggings can set us back upwards of $50. But in reality, you can practice yoga in whatever clothes you would normally wear to the gym. Your clothes should be somewhat form fitting though so that you can see how your body is aligned. But don’t feel pressure to blow major cash on workout gear!

Reality

 

Myth 5. Yoga is Competitive

It’s so tempting to try to prove that we’re more flexible than that girl (like seriously, how does she bend her leg that way?) But in reality, no one gets a prize at the end of class. Yoga is about your journey, you don’t have to compare yourself to anyone else. And there are a myriad of yoga videos on YouTube, so you can even do it in your dorm room!

Reality

 

Abby can be found reading magazines, dreaming up content ideas, browsing(stalking) on Instagram, and pursuing her love of travel. She is also a certified nerd. Find her on Instagram @abby.e.hart because she is not funny enough for Twitter.