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Resisting Yoga
Kristine
M. Maselli, RYT
11/20/2003
It’s offered at your health club. You’ve read about it in your favorite
magazine. Books, videos, and calendars have infiltrated your grocery store
and library, and your doctor thinks it would be a good idea. And why
haven’t you tried yoga?
As
a yoga instructor, I have heard my share of reasons and excuses. They
include, but are not limited to: “I’m not flexible enough”; “I don’t have
time”; “It’s not a real workout”; “It’s too religious”; “I’m overweight”;
“It’s too expensive”, and “I don’t know how to relax”. Let’s explore the
validity of such claims:
“I’m not flexible enough”
Your average yoga participant did not enter the studio with
one foot wrapped around his or her neck, and chances are, they’ve yet to
accomplish this feat-no pun intended. Is this OK? Of course—you are not
expected to look like a member of Cirque du Soleil regardless of your years
of practice. A regular yoga practice will increase your flexibility, but it
makes no promises of transforming you into Gumby. If you can’t reach your
toes, join the club, I mean class.
“I don’t have time”
Ten minutes of yoga is better than no yoga. True, many classes are 60+
minutes; however, investing time in yourself reaps benefits far beyond the
time devoted. When you take care of yourself, you are that much more
prepared to care for other people (your family) and other things (your job,
house, life!). I have students from many backgrounds: doctors, teachers,
CEOs, single parents, and Moms with four children under the age of five. If
all of these people can find time, why can’t you?
“It’s not a real workout”
What is your definition of a real workout? If it includes
sweating, increasing your heart rate, and increasing muscle definition, it
sounds like you should reconsider yoga. There are numerous styles of
yoga--such as Power, Bikram, and Ashtanga--that will rival any workout you
have performed. Chances are it will kick your butt beyond your typical
aerobic class and weight room routine.
“It’s too religious”
Granted, if you sign up for “connecting to God through Yoga”, it’s
probably safe to assume there will be religious undertones, at a minimum.
However, your standard yoga class does not involve nor include The Bible or
religious manuscripts. The one age-old text you may encounter is
Sanskrit--the Indo-European language of the Vedas. For example, you may be
asked to chant “om” (the sound of all things in the universe) at the
beginning or end of class, and your instructor may close with “namaste” (the
divine in me bows to the divine in you), and you can take, or leave, either
of these for what it’s worth.
“I’m overweight”
There is no weight requirement for yoga. Moreover, a regular yoga practice
will connect your mind and body in ways that may make weight management more
achievable. In addition, the physical practice of asana, or postures, will
get your body moving. If you would be more comfortable in a setting that is
not filled with naval-bearing outfits and hard bodies, then contact the
studio and ask for the appropriate class.
“It’s too expensive”
All that is needed to practice yoga is a comfortable surface, preferably a
yoga mat, but even a beach towel may suffice for some styles of yoga. There
is nobody forcing you to have the latest high-fashion yoga pants, tops, and
mat bags. In addition, many studios offer community classes and volunteer
positions, thereby making yoga more affordable to all.
“I don’t know how to relax”
This is why you need yoga. If you have difficulty sitting still with a
quiet mind, start with an active yoga class, as opposed to a breathing or
meditation class. Many find after some level of physical exertion (while
holding postures or flowing from one to the next), they are better able to
unwind at the end of class in savasana, or relaxation pose. In this way, a
regular yoga practice will help to clear your mind, and this allows the body
to relax.
Still not convinced you should give yoga a try? Feel free to send me your
reasons for the next article…
We thank author Kristine Maselli, R.Y.T., has trained with
Rodney Yee, Baron Baptiste, Shiva Rhea, and Rolfe Gates. Kristine currently
teaches yoga in Hopkinton, Upton, and Framingham in Massachusetts. She also
teaches yoga to disadvantaged children, troubled teens, and adults at Local
Family Services Organizations. In addition, she volunteers at local animal
shelters. See her site at
www.absoluteyoga.net
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