The practice of yoga dates back more than 5,000 years, according to the American Yoga Association. A number of myths about yoga have developed throughout the years, such as it being only for women or the same as stretching. Look past these myths to find an activity with both physical and mental benefits.
Yoga Requires Flexibility
Yoga can help with achieving flexibility; however, that does not mean you must be flexible to practice yoga. Yoga poses can be modified to your limits of flexibility -- be conscious of how far you push your limits. Over-stretching could lead to injury. As you continue to practice yoga, your flexibility will likely improve, as will your balance, range of motion and strength. And you will be less likely to injure yourself while doing other physical activities.
Yoga is Just Stretching
Though yoga stretches the muscles, it also requires and builds strength and balance. For example, the low lunge, also known as Anjaneyasana, requires you to step your right foot forward, lower your left knee to the floor and slide the left foot back until you feel a stretch in the left front thigh and groin. You then raise your hands to the ceiling. While you are stretching your thigh and groin muscles, your leg and butt muscles -- as well as your core muscles -- also need to do a lot of strengthening and stability work during the two minutes that a pose is typically held.
Yoga is a Religion
Yoga has spiritual aspects, but it is not a religion, notes the American Yoga Association. Some believe that it comes from Hinduism, but yoga predates the religion by multiple centuries.
Yoga is for Women
Originally, men in India practiced yoga. However, these days, 72 percent of those who practice yoga are women, according to an article in "Comfort In Style" online magazine, "Myth Buster: Yoga Myths Debunked." This can make joining a female-dominated yoga class intimidating to a man. However, if he looks past the gender of his classmates and the perceived stereotype that yoga is for women only, a man can benefit from a regular yoga practice.
Yoga will Aggravate Injuries
When done properly, yoga does not aggravate your injuries or chronic pain -- it can actually help manage the pain that injuries cause. Yoga can help with conditions such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia, as well as reducing your heart rate and blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Most yoga poses have modifications to make it a bit easier, and classes that focus on gentle yoga poses are often available.
All Yoga is the Same
There are more than 100 styles of yoga, according to the American Yoga Association. Commonly practiced yoga include Vinyasa, which combines a series of flowing postures with rhythmic breathing; Bikram, which cranks up the heat to help sweat toxins out of the body; and Yin Yoga, which focuses on lengthening connective tissue and meditation.
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