The practice of yoga, unlike other forms of staying active and improving our wellbeing, tends to be surrounded by some myths and misconceptions, which can have many people unsure about trying it for the first time. Prana Yoga’s mission is to make yoga feel welcoming, so we’ve decided to set the record straight, not as instructors or studio owners, but with the help of the truest voices and experiences: those of our students.
Myth #1: You Have to Be Flexible to Do Yoga
This is one of the most common misconceptions about yoga, possibly due to the volume of photos on social media that feature yogis (people who practice yoga) doing some of the more complex asanas or postures. But like many other abilities, you don’t need to be flexible to start practicing yoga: this is something that you actually acquire through practice.
“Before attending class, I struggled with joint and back pain, but within the first week, I began to notice improvement. The discomfort disappeared, and my overall quality of life improved. Yoga has helped me regain mobility and approach life with a greater sense of peace.” – Martha, Restorative, Chair, and Gentle Yoga student
Myth #2: Yoga Is Just Stretching
Another recurrent myth about yoga is that it is “just stretching”. While it’s true that yoga can help us improve our flexibility and mobility by gently stretching our bodies, it’s much more than that. It is a practice that combines breath, movement, mindfulness, and strength. What you’ll actually experience in our classes is a balance of physical practice and calm.
“Through yoga, I’ve experienced muscle relaxation, mental relief, and more controlled breathing. In practice, you learn to manage your breath, and when you carry that into daily life, you find a better rhythm and peace of mind. I’ve gained flexibility, and each class helps clear my mind.” – Camilo, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative Yoga student
“Before doing yoga I often felt tired, but during class I experienced a great stretch, and ever since I’ve felt healthier and stronger. Yoga makes me stronger both physically and mentally, and it helps me manage stressful situations. The breathing practice has been a big part of this journey.” – Coni, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga student
Myth #3: Yoga Is Only for Women or for the Young and Fit
People may picture a young and fit woman when thinking about yoga, but as our next testimonial will show, this practice is for every body type, age, and background:
“I’m a 73-year-old man and felt like it was getting harder to move around; my body felt stiff. Thanks to a friend who introduced me to yoga, my life has changed not only mentally but also physically. Overall, I’m a much happier person because I feel healthier. Physically, I am in much better shape: more flexible, strong, calm, and I feel much happier in life.” – Gustavo, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga student
Myth #4: Yoga Is Too Spiritual or Not Spiritual Enough
As we previously shared in another post, yoga originated as a spiritual practice many centuries ago. This is why many people have the misconception that you need to be a spiritual person to practice it, or, on the other hand, that modern yoga is not spiritual enough.
But the truth, and what we believe in at Prana Yoga in Imperial Valley, is this: yoga can be whatever you need it to be. Some of our students come for fitness reasons, others for stress relief, and a few more step into our studio looking for a deeper connection.
“I came to class with an open mind during a difficult time in my personal life, hoping to find something that would help me feel better. After my very first class, I knew I had found a place where I felt welcomed, and I experienced an inner peace I hadn’t felt in a long time. Yoga has taught me to live in the present, let go of the past, and not worry about the future. It has helped me manage stress and embrace a healthier life.” – Elsa, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Gentle Yoga student
“Before class, I felt a little nervous. During practice, I experienced a deep sense of tranquility, and afterward I was full of energy and much calmer in my life.” – Alejandra, Vinyasa student
What You’ll Experience in a Prana Yoga Class
We know that trying something new can make us feel nervous, which is why at Prana Yoga we try to make you feel comfortable and welcomed from the moment you walk through our doors. For this part, we’d love to share the testimonial of Zoe, who first came to our studio after months of resting and doing light exercises on her own following a sciatica injury:
“The first time I entered the studio, I was greeted with an extremely friendly welcome and a very helpful introduction. One thing I noticed in that first class, and that has been consistently true on every visit, is how extremely clean the studio is. The floors and restrooms are pristine, and the equipment is clearly cleaned regularly. When you rest your face on different surfaces, this attention to hygiene makes a huge difference for comfort and enjoyment.
The class is led by a knowledgeable instructor who provides additional content and guidance on the movements being practiced, which I truly appreciate, both for learning and for connecting mind and body properly. Immediately after my first class, I purchased a monthly pass because I couldn’t wait to come back.”
We hope this article has helped resolve doubts and debunk common myths about yoga. If you’re feeling inspired to try it yourself, we’d love to welcome you to our Prana Yoga community!
Ready to experience yoga? Join us at Prana Yoga Studio in Imperial Valley!
*Some testimonials have been edited for space and clarification purposes.