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Yoga is one of the most ancient forms of exercise which involves performing number of poses with your body (stretching, sitting, standing and lying positions), deep breathing and meditation. Despite the fact that practice of yoga is becoming widespread during past couple of years there are still certain myths shrouding it.

Here are some of the common myths:
1.Yoga is only for women: Although women love to try new activities but nowadays men are also getting attracted towards it. Yoga offers something for everyone who wants to avoid diseases and lead a healthy life. Infact, yoga is originated in India where until recently it was mainly practiced by men.

2.Yoga is boring: Yoga is fun and challenging. What could be more interesting than finding inner peace and overall development of your physical, mental and spiritual side? For a person who loves sports, yoga can never be boring.

3.You have to agile to do yoga: This is not what yoga is all about. It's true that some of the postures in yoga are bit difficult but those are usually at the advance level. For a beginner, the asanas (posture) are infact quite simple and beneficial. Yoga makes you flexible in mind, body and soul. A good yoga instructor will be able to show postures which you can perform comfortably.

4.Its all about chanting and making sounds: While some form of yoga involves chanting but truly yoga is about making different posture with your body to attain strength in your muscles, improve balance and enhance flexibily.Chanting is basically meditation which calms the mind by sitting quietly with closed eyes and concentrating on breathing .This form of yoga calms the mind and one learns to focus.

5.You don't get a workout while doing yoga: Although you are not doing any fast movement or there isn't any loud music involved but yoga is challenging enough. Some style of yoga like ashtanga or power yoga can be extremely stimulating. Yoga is better than doing gym as it involves postures where stretching is involved and you hold that posture for at least ten seconds, so with utilizing less energy you are benefiting a lot while in gym exercises consume lots of energy.

6.Yoga is a religion: Yoga is mistaken to be religion as it origins from ancient India. But it's a form of lifestyle where you won't be expected to adopt any religious attitudes. Yoga can be practiced by a Christian, Jew, and Muslim all alike. Yoga basically means spiritual union. It's the union of Atmana (Individual Soul) with Brahman (Soul Source).And this union leads to a positive and eternal happiness.

If yoga is practiced regularly with its proper understanding, one can reap great benefit out of this ancient practice.

Learn more about this author, Milan Singhal.
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