27 Jun 6 Common Yoga Myths Debunked

Let’s be real. Yoga myths have piled up over the years, images of bendy bodies, incense-filled rooms, and people floating around in matching sets like they’ve got life all figured out. But if you’ve ever rolled out a mat at Warrior One Yoga, you’ll know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Every week at the studios, we hear the similar things:
“I’m not flexible enough”
“Yoga’s too slow for me”
“I can’t sit still to meditate”
“I’m too old to start”
“Isn’t it more for women”
“I need to calm down first”

Let’s break it down and clear up some of the biggest yoga myths we still hear floating around the studio and in people’s heads.

Yoga Myth 1: You have to be flexible to do yoga

This one is everywhere. But here’s the thing: flexibility is something you build through yoga, not something you need before you start. If you can breathe, you can do yoga. We see it all the time at Warrior One. People walk in feeling stiff or unsure and leave feeling taller, looser, and more connected to their body. That’s the magic. It’s not about doing the splits or twisting into a pretzel. It’s about feeling more at home in yourself.

Yoga Myth 2: It’s not a real workout

Anyone who’s done a strong flow, a power class, or even held chair pose for more than thirty seconds knows this isn’t true. Yoga builds strength, stamina, mobility, and focus. You’re using your whole body, often in ways you’re not used to, which is exactly why it works. At Warrior One, our classes are designed to challenge you in all the right ways. You can absolutely sweat in yoga. You can absolutely get stronger. And if you want to pair it with running or weights, even better. Yoga makes you better at everything else you do.

Yoga Myth 3: You have to be calm to start

This one breaks my heart a little, because people think they have to be in a certain calm state to belong in a yoga space. But yoga is exactly what helps you create more calm, not the other way around. You don’t need to show up peaceful. You can come in flustered, tired, overwhelmed, moody, or messy. Just come as you are. That’s more than enough. Warrior One is a place where we welcome every version of you.

Yoga Myth 4: Yoga is only for women

Yoga is for everyone. All genders, all backgrounds, all ages. But for some reason, it still gets labelled as soft or feminine or not strong enough for men, which is just outdated thinking. The strongest people I know are the ones willing to sit with themselves, connect to their breath, and do the work on and off the mat. At Warrior One, we love seeing more men in the room, and we’re here for more of it.

Yoga Myth 5: You need to meditate or be spiritual to get it

Not true. Some people come to yoga for the physical practice. Others lean into the breathwork, the philosophy, or the self-awareness that comes with it. You don’t have to chant or sit cross-legged or find yourself to benefit. If it starts as a movement, great. If it stays there, also great. You’ll get what you need from it, and that’s what matters. At Warrior One, we create space for all of it, whether you’re there to sweat or just take a breath.

Yoga Myth 6: I’m too old to start

We’ve had people start yoga in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. There’s no cut-off age. In fact, the older you get, the more important mobility, strength, balance and nervous system support become. Yoga supports your joints, your brain, your breath, and your body through every season of life. You are never too late. Not even close. Our community at Warrior One is filled with people of all ages, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So if you’ve been thinking yoga isn’t for you, I promise you, there’s space for you here. Whether you’re stiff as a board, don’t own a single piece of activewear, or have no idea what a vinyasa is.

Yoga isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about coming home to yourself.
We’ll meet you on the mat.