“I can’t do yoga. I’m not flexible. I’m not fit enough. I can’t move like that. My body isn’t made for that.” I hear these excuses/reasons everyday as to why people are scared to step foot in a yoga class. The truth is, yoga doesn’t care if you can’t touch your toes or if you’re overweight.

Yoga only cares that you show up and be open to what your mind and body are truly capable of achieving.

I teach a heated vinyasa style yoga flow class every Saturday to a wide range of body types, from beginners to more advance yogis. I begin each class by reminding my students that your mat is your own universe.

You shouldn’t care what the person next to you is doing. They are not there because of you and you are not there because of them.

You are on the mat to quiet your mind, listen to your soul, and freely let your body be a reflection of your inner being.

Even though yoga is free of judgment and negative self-talk, it can still be a little intimidating. Perhaps the most challenging part of even beginning a yoga practice is the fear of the unknown.

So, you get a little scared because you don’t know what poses the instructor will guide you through, right?

Another truth. No one should know. That’s the art of yoga “flow.”

You should feel a little scared every time you step on the mat, regardless if you’re a beginner or if you’ve aced a single arm handstand.

The practice teaches us to go with the flow of life and embrace each challenge put in front of us.

Yoga is the practice of listening to your body and honoring what your body needs daily.

One day, you may only need to sit with your legs crossed and breathe. Other days, your body may need more of a challenge and choose to try a crow pose. Truth. You won’t know how your body is speaking to you until you show up on the mat.

Many people come to yoga to forget their problems. They truly believe that yoga will fix their lives mentally and physically. Definitely not true.

Yes, I often say that yoga can change your life, but so can many other things. Truth.

Yoga won’t fix your life, but those moments of breath in guided poses and meditation will help bring your awareness inward to reflect on what is necessary and what no longer serves you.

Those are just a few truths about the art of a yoga practice.

So, should you get on the mat and start? If your life is perfect and you have zero stress or problems, you’re never scared of anything new, and you know exactly what your body needs everyday, you probably don’t need yoga.

However, if you’re like everyone else, I’d give it a go and see what happens. You won’t know until you show up on the mat.

 

Vivianne Vallance is a personal trainer, health coach and yoga instructor working in Lawrence County.