Yoga Myth #3: Yoga is too Easy/Boring

This is part three, of a three part series, debunking some common Yoga Myths. If you have a Myth you would like to share or challenge me to debunk, share it in the comments below. If these Yoga Myth articles inspire you to try your first Yoga class - click here to sign up for Yoga in Winnipeg.

“I just can’t get into Yoga, it’s too boooorrrrinnggg…..”. I'm going to break this Myth into two categories - Those who have tried a Yoga class before, and those who have not.

For those who have taken a Yoga class and ended up finding it very boring or too easy, there could be a couple reasons.

1. Maybe you went to a class that was too easy for you - was it a Restorative or Yin class? Was it mostly floor based stretching? A lot of very athletic people, that are used to more intense exercise, will likely find a more passive form of Yoga very boring (they will benefit GREATLY from it - but that’s another article). But if they went to a more active style class - Flow, Vinyasa, Ashtanga - they may find it a bit more challenging, stimulating, and up to their speed. Those kinds of classes are sometimes referred to as the "gateways" to the other styles of Yoga for those who are coming from a very athletic background. Once you get bit by the Yoga "bug" and want to learn more and keep feeling good, you can venture into some of the other styles.

2. Maybe you didn't jive with the studio/instructor. There are many different styles of Yoga studios and ways teachers approach the practice. No two instructors are the same, so maybe it just wasn't a good fit.

3. Maybe Yoga just isn't for you at this point in your life. I said it. I truly believe Yoga is for Everyone, but that doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. Fair enough.

Choosing the right style of Yoga can make a big difference!

For those who have never tried Yoga and just have a perception that it is too easy or boring....don’t knock it til you try it! Choose a class that you think is appropriate for your fitness level, understand that going to one Yoga class means you've gone to one Yoga class, and that each class will be different. Leave your ego at the door and really pay attention to how your body feels during and after. I bet it will feel pretty good! Quick story: I used to teach a class at a fitness centre that was attached to an army reserve base. I primarily had military spouses and family members in my classes, while the military personnel were working out in the weight room next door. Every now and then, someone finishing up their heavy lift would walk by our room and get curious. One very athletic looking man decided to come on in and give our Yoga class a try. His exact words after coming out of one of the poses were "I thought Yoga was easy and just stretching - I am sweating!". Too easy? I think not ;)

Yin and Restorative - What's the Difference?

As I have been taught, there is a difference between Restorative and Yin Yoga classes, and although many people group them together, I believe they each offer numerous benefits, some the same, but many different.  I would like to attempt to explain the difference for you today. 

In a restorative Yoga class the goal is restoration and healing. The body is generally very well supported by props (yoga bolster, blocks and blankets) so that the body can “rest” into the poses in a more passive way, while the practitioner stays with the pose for a longer period of time. People often come to a restorative class after an injury with considerable limitations. 

Yin yoga also includes longer holds, however the goal is not specifically relaxation and healing – although this very well may be a welcome result! The reason for the longer holds in Yin is to activate and work the connective tissue and fascia in the body – not just the outer layers of muscle – which can greatly improve flexibility. You may still use props and supports in your Yin practice, but by holding the poses longer, it may allow a practitioner to go deeper into poses – something you likely would not work at during a Restorative class. Also, while Yin poses are derived from Hatha style yoga, the names of the poses are different – pigeon pose becomes swan in Yin, for example. 

To sum this up (If I haven’t completely confused you already) I will leave you with a quote about the difference between Yin and Restorative from the Author of "The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga", Bernie Clark, from a Newsletter published in 2012:

“Restorative Yoga takes an unhealthy body and brings it (hopefully) back to normal, while Yin Yoga takes a normal healthy body and brings it up to optimum.”

It is important to point out that in both of these practices – staying in poses for long holds while the body is supported – often the most challenging aspect is staying in the moment, watching your breath and your thoughts, and remaining still in your body allowing it to open and release at it’s own pace. Although we all like to be challenged physically with our chatarunga’s, arm balances and planks, sometimes the real challenge is laying in savasana for 5 minutes at the end of the class without fidgeting and planning our grocery lists in our minds. If this is the case for you, I would encourage you to be open to the challenge of a slower paced class.

Namaste :) 

Sandra