Yoga is More Than Movement
I’ve always been a pretty by-the-book, type-A person. Physically, I’ve nearly always had curves. Long story short: when people picture an avid yoga practitioner, I’m probably not the image that comes to mind. And that’s the tricky thing about stereotypes—they often keep us from trying something that could be perfect for us.
I love yoga. I practice nearly every day. Some days it’s in a studio; other days, it’s at home. Sometimes it’s a fast and vigorous hot vinyasa, and other times it’s a long, slow restorative session. A few years ago, I decided to enroll in yoga teacher training to deepen my practice and guide others on their yoga journeys. I didn’t expect to fall in love with teaching as much as I have, but it’s been such a gift.
When I started, I had a lot of misconceptions about yoga—many of which I’ve since learned are common. Three myths I once believed were:
Yoga is a religion.
You have to be flexible to practice yoga.
Yoga is just a great workout.
Let’s break these down.
Myth #1: Yoga is a Religion
One of the most transformative lessons I learned during my teacher training is that yoga is not a religion. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali define yoga as “calming the fluctuations of the mind” or “steadying the mind.” While yoga has its roots in India and is believed to be over 2,500 years old, it is not tied to any particular faith.
There is a spiritual component to yoga, but it’s more about union, self-inquiry, and cultivating well-being. Many people with a faith practice use yoga to deepen their spiritual connection, while those without a religious background use yoga as a mindful approach to movement and rest. Yoga is for everyone, regardless of their beliefs or background.
Myth #2: You Have to Be Flexible to Practice Yoga
Flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga, nor is it the ultimate goal. In fact, saying “yoga improves flexibility” oversimplifies its purpose. Yoga is a way of being—a practice of self-discovery and connection between body and mind.
Modern yoga classes often focus on movement (asanas) as a way to prepare the mind and body for stillness, particularly the final resting pose, savasana. This means everyone’s journey in yoga is unique. There’s no wrong starting point, and yoga can be practiced by anyone, at any fitness level, in a way that feels right for them.
Myth #3: Yoga is Just a Workout
While regular yoga practice can lead to physical and mental changes, yoga is not just another group exercise class. Historically, yoga was an individual practice guided by a teacher—not a fitness session with a group.
Today, many people track their yoga sessions as workouts, but I’ve shifted my perspective. Instead of logging yoga in my fitness apps, I view it as a tool to stay mentally and physically balanced. Regular yoga helps me feel less reactive and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. By listening to my body and moving mindfully, I’ve also noticed improvements in other workouts, with less pain and discomfort.
Yoga at Wellness and Wonder
At Wellness and Wonder, our yoga offerings are as diverse as our participants. From energizing flows to calming restorative practices, there’s joy in exploring what your body needs on any given day.
All of our classes share common values:
They are trauma-informed.
They encourage participants to listen to their bodies and make choices that feel good.
They welcome and honor everyone’s unique starting point.
We’d love to have you join us for a class soon. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, our goal is to help you feel supported and empowered on your journey.
Stay well,
Kendra
