Yoga has become one of the most popular wellness practices around the world, yet many people still hesitate to try it because of common misconceptions. According to The Buzz expert Reena Maharjan, these myths often discourage beginners from exploring a practice that is actually accessible to everyone. Here, she breaks down five of the most common myths about yoga, and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: “You Have to Be Flexible to Do Yoga”

This is the most common myth. The truth? You don’t start yoga because you’re flexible, you become flexible because you practice yoga.

Flexibility is a result, not a requirement. Yoga meets you exactly where you are. Whether you can touch your toes or not, your body is already ready for yoga. Props, modifications, and mindful movement make it accessible to everyone.

Myth 2: “Yoga Is Only for Women”

Yoga is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, or background. Historically, yoga was practiced mainly by men in Nepal and ancient India. Today, it’s a global practice embraced by people of all identities.

Strength, balance, focus, and mental clarity are universal needs. Yoga supports athletes, office workers, seniors, teenagers and yes, men too.

Myth 3: “Yoga Is Just Stretching”

While stretching is part of yoga, yoga is much more than that. It combines movement, breath awareness (pranayama), mindfulness, and sometimes meditation.

Yoga builds strength, improves posture, enhances lung capacity, reduces stress, and sharpens concentration. It trains both the body and the mind. That mind-body connection is what makes yoga transformative.

Myth 4: “You Need to Be Calm and Peaceful to Do Yoga”

Many people say, “I’m too restless for yoga.” But that’s exactly why yoga helps.

Yoga is not about being perfectly calm. It’s about practicing awareness, even when your mind is busy. Through breath and movement, you gradually create space between your thoughts and your reactions. Calmness becomes a byproduct of consistent practice, not a starting point.

Myth 5: “Yoga Is a Religion”

Yoga is a philosophy and a practice, not a religion. While it originated in ancient India and Nepal and includes spiritual elements, modern yoga classes mainly focus on physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness.

Reena shares, “Yoga is not about perfection, performance, or comparison. It’s about connection with your breath, your body, and your inner strength. If you’ve been holding back because of one of these myths, consider this your gentle invitation to try. Start small. Start simple. Just start. Because yoga isn’t about how it looks, it’s about how it makes you feel.”

About the Author

Reena Maharjan is a passionate yoga educator with over 10 years of practice and 8 years of teaching experience. She is a 500-hour certified instructor trained in Nepal and India. Also certified in prenatal/postpartum yoga and mat Pilates, she blends ancient wisdom with mindful movement.

Instagram: yogawith_reena

For more yoga tips like this, stay tuned to The Buzz Nepal, where true wellness begins with real journeys.

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