3 Misconceptions About Yoga

I’ve been teaching yoga since 2005, and every time I tell someone I’m a yoga teacher, I get the same reactions. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of assumptions. So, I decided to write about the three most common responses I get—and they’re all based on misconceptions.

Misconception #1: “I’m overweight and not flexible enough to practice yoga.”

Yoga isn’t about how you look—it’s about how you feel. It was created as a science for people of all ages, shapes, and abilities. Flexibility or appearance has nothing to do with whether or not you can practice. Just because someone is young and slim doesn’t mean they’re flexible or fit. And just because someone is older or carries extra weight doesn’t mean they’re limited in movement.

In one of my classes, I had a retired man in his 60s doing a headstand, a curvy woman in her 40s sliding into a full split, and a slender 20-something who couldn’t touch her toes. Everyone’s body is different. We all have a unique range of motion, and there’s no right or wrong. Yoga is about self-development and overall wellness—it’s not a flexibility contest. Don’t let limiting beliefs stop you from trying something that could benefit you in countless ways.

Misconception #2: “It looks hard.”

This one’s common—mostly because of the picture-perfect poses we see on social media. Most influencers post their best angles and most polished shots, and it likely took several attempts before the final photo made it online. But that’s not the reality of yoga.

A real-life yoga class is a completely different experience. You’ll find people from all walks of life. The teacher usually offers different variations of the same posture so everyone can follow along.

Yes, yoga can be challenging—but only if you push yourself too hard. Going beyond your limits defeats the purpose of the practice, which is to surrender and allow it to unfold. Don’t focus on how your pose looks—focus on how it feels. Show up as you are, and do what you can.

Stay in a natural alignment, work within your limits, and your practice will become smooth and steady. This not only prevents injury but also deepens your connection to the practice. Find your own rhythm. Work at your own pace. Add intensity where it feels right. The evolution will come naturally. Yoga doesn’t require you to adapt to it—yoga adapts to you.

Misconception #3: “Everyone will be watching me.”

Yoga is a personal journey. People come to class to disconnect from the outside world—not to watch others. Most are there to take a break, unwind, and reconnect with themselves. They’re not interested in what anyone else is doing.

When you’re practicing yoga, avoid comparing yourself to others. Instead, focus on your breath, your body, and your experience.

If you’re unsure, consider trying a free class in your area before committing to a studio. Let the teacher know it’s your first time—they’ll be happy to guide you. After a few sessions, you’ll start feeling more comfortable in your body and more at ease in the space.

In Conclusion

Don’t believe everything you hear. The best way to understand yoga is to try it for yourself. Don’t put pressure on yourself about how you look or how flexible you are. Give yourself the opportunity to try something new. You might be surprised by what you discover—and you might even fall in love with the practice.

with love,

~Maria xo