10 Lame excuses that keep perfectly good people away from yoga

Have you ever heard someone tell you that they would love to do yoga-asana, but… (Fill in the blank)?

Recently a friend asked me to come up with common excuses that prevent perfectly capable human beings from getting to the front of the mat.  At first I did not want to, but when I began to write I found an almost evil pleasure in them. Here are the ones I have heard most often,  and by the way, forgive my attitude, I feel passionate about this subject.

1- I do not know the poses

2-I am not fit enough
Really? and who is? do you know anyone in your immediate environment that declares without joking: I am fit enough!, or: Look how fit I am!. Neither do I.

3-  I do not want to take my shirt off
Nobody has to take anything off.  There are no rules other than being dressed up, although I have to say this whole thing on naked yoga is scaring me, so avoid them in the beginning if you can.

4-  I am not flexible
Only mind flexibility is required. The body is just a reflection of it.

5-  I do not want to chant
No need.  most classes keep it at only Om in the beginning.  Ashtanga has a whole chant. There is no chanting police that I know of, and noticing your feelings around others who are chanting is a great exercise in meditation.  Does that make you feel edgy? uncomfortable? non-serious? embarrassed? great notice!, and you should know, nobody really cares.

6-  I want a real workout

Oh boy, do I love this one!  Believe you me, try doing only the standing sequence of the primary series, just put on Darby’s DVD and go along.  Then let us talk. Comment about it if you dare… hee hee

7-Will there be group hugs? will I join a cult?
No such thing.  But do your research and if your local place seems cult-like just go to another class.  Working on your boundaries and ability to say “no” when needed is also a great exercise.

8-  I don’t have the money
Yoga can be practiced at home with a dvd that costs no more than 20 dollars or so. Classes of course are a great way to get corrections and inspiration and, if possible, always recommended. NYC features the 10 dollar class, and there is a “yoga by donation” initiative in many major cities.  Online classes are popping up everywhere with fantastic deals, if you find a good place let me know.

9- I have no time
There are short classes everywhere, especially in gyms, or local clubs.  You can also leave classes earlier, although teachers tend not to like that, but you can make an arrangement.  People in the yoga world understand, they are approachable.  If you do happen to leave a class early always remember to do savasana (corpse/relaxation pose) before re-entering normal paced life, your nervous system will thank you with extra years of life.

10- It will take years for me to do any of those impressive asanas
Maybe, maybe not.  There are a few really cool looking asanas that can be mastered rather quickly, for example: the head stand.  I know! it looks difficult, but it is not, and pretty much every class includes an attempt, so you will build up fast and impress the yogi out of all your friends.

So those are the ones I hear more often, what have you heard? what is your excuse?