Most Common Excuses Not to Practice Yoga
April 3, 2018
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Lifestyle diseases have tremendously increased over the past several years. Today, more and more people become ill because of unhealthy life choices. Thankfully, a trend has started in an attempt to counter these lifestyle diseases. People have started to pay more attention to their health and are striving for better nutrition and physical activity.
An example of a very good physical activity is yoga. While some might think that yoga isn’t an exercise that can give you overall health and wellness, the reality is that yoga does not only promote a healthy mind and body, but it also tones your muscles and encourages you and teaches you to be more mindful.
Unfortunately, there is still a large number of people who prefer their sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. Some even justify why they don’t or can’t do yoga. Here are some of the most common excuses why people don’t want to get on the mat:
1. Yoga is not challenging enough
Okay, to all you “hardcore exercise” junkies, if you believe that this physical activity won’t be enough of a challenge, you are genuinely mistaken.
Some individuals think that yoga is all about sitting down with your eyes closed while humming to the tune of the wind. While this is part of it, there are so many different forms and levels depending on your experience. If you are well deep into the art of yoga, you’d probably be able to do headstands or bending positions which you’d be able to hold for not just seconds, but minutes and even hours.
Remember, advanced yoga positions require a super toned core. If you think it’s too easy, try doing an elbow stand with your body perfectly straight and aligned and let’s see if you still think that way.
2. No patience nor time to do it
Not only do people think this exercise isn’t challenging, but some also justify that their lack of patience will render yoga ineffective as a workout routine.
In today’s fast-paced world, people have become so accustomed to instant results. It’s sad to know that exercise and healthy living is not exempt from this idea. Why do you think people resort to cosmetic surgery to tighten, lift and remove unwanted belly fat? They just don’t have the time to do it naturally.
One of the critical elements of yoga and probably everything in life is patience. Yoga teaches you to be still, clear your mind and be calm.
If you think that you lack patience, then you are the number one candidate to try yoga. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to relax and clear your mind after a busy and stressful day?
3. They want to do it, but they don’t want to learn the basics
One hilarious thought that some people have is that the fundamentals of yoga are “too basic” for them and that maybe they can just skip that part. This is wrong on so many levels. Yoga is a delicate practice that needs discipline and practice. Everybody begins at stage one; the basics of yoga are your actual foundation to more advanced levels.
4. They think they are not flexible enough
A big misconception about yoga is that you’d have to be some sort of contortionist to be able to perform the poses. This is precisely the reason why you learn it – so you can teach your body to flex more. Think of it this way: you do not go to chemistry class because you’re afraid you are not knowledgeable about the most important chemical reactions.
If you go to school, you’ll probably learn a thing or two about chemistry. Don’t be scared if your body isn’t yoga-ready yet. That’s what your yoga instructors are for. They will be there to help you get into shape, and in no time, you’ll be flexing away like a pro.
5. They can’t do yoga because they are sick
Okay, maybe yoga isn’t for everybody because of certain diseases. Yoga is a wonderful exercise to free your mind and body of toxins. As your body relaxes, you will feel more energized. We all know that a significant factor in the severity of certain illnesses is brought about by stress. Well, yoga is a great way to de-stress and rejuvenate your body.
Some people in pain also think that yoga positions may aggravate their condition. Although this is not entirely false, once you’ve learned which positions will be best suitable and safe for you, your practice will even help you relieve pain. As your mind begins to relax, so does your body.
Want to convince your kids to start doing yoga? Sign up for a kids yoga teacher training program!
Melissa is a guest author from RedShed.