Here's why you need yoga

by Bev Sklar (Subscribe to Bev Sklar's posts)
Oct 28th 2008 3:00PM

Yoga doesn't have enough fitness clout. Over the years, I've heard many say 'no thanks' to yoga before they've even tried it. All sorts of yoga myths are spun -- I'm not flexible enough, meditation is not for me, where's the cardio? They couldn't be more wrong.

In this thoughtful Huffington Post article, Lauren Cahn debunks the yoga bunk. Cahn is an active yogi, and from the pics of her in pose, she's quite accomplished. Here's my take on what she has to say:

You don't have to be flexible to do yoga: Cahn points out a lack of flexibility not only implies existing muscular strength (necessary for yoga), it is beneficial to the beginner to prevent over-stretching/injury. Everything in moderation, right? Yoga will increase your flexibility the perfect way -- slowly over time.
Where's the cardio?: Trust me, it's there. Many forms of yoga provide cardiovascular challenge. Cahn suggests trying Vinyasa, Flow, Power Yoga or Ashtanga.
My monkey mind is incapable of meditating: Yoga will chase those monkeys away. It's essentially calming as you're forced to focus on the pose at hand. Do enough yoga and you might keep those monkeys away in the real world, it's that powerful.
Spirituality is not my thing: There's no rule that says you must meditate at the end of a yoga class. You won't be bopped on the head if you don't say namaste either. A woman fell asleep near my mat a few weeks ago. Close your eyes, nap, rest, whatever. Leave early for the treadmill, but don't let meditation or spirituality frighten you away.

The older I get, the more I seek yoga. A recent injury has sidelined me from running, so I'm regularly Bodyflowing myself instead. I just wish I had to elbow my way in.

What you need for yoga(click thumbnails to view gallery)

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Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

yogini 10-28-2008 @ 3:53PM

Yes I totally agree with this article..I started yoga to help my scoliosis and I got soo much more...more flexibility, improved muscle tone, I find it sooo de-stressing-I crave it if I miss a class. LOVE IT. Finally found something I stick to with pleasure.

Wanda 10-28-2008 @ 10:28PM

I agree! I am 59, was stiff and sore all over, in terrible shape. I started doing beginner yoga in early July, could not concentrate, was inflexible, had back pain every day. I do yoga at my local YMCA and some at home. I'm a teacher and when I am tight and a headache starts, I use a couple of yoga moves to keep the headache at bay and calm down.

You do NOT have to BE flexible to do yoga -- you DO yoga to GET flexible! I can maintain concentration (calming the "monkey mind" by focus). You just can't NOT concentrate when you are doing the yoga poses (asanas). My back pain is gone and I am stronger and more focuses. I used to think I could never do yoga, but now I love it. Check out the different styles to find the one that best matches your personality and needs.

A confirmed yogini!