[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, everyone.
You know about yoga, right?
That place we go to bend, stretch, and stand on our head.
Accomplishing poses we thought were
only possible amongst Cirque du Soleil performers.
I'm Angie Miller.
And today, I want to talk to you about yoga, real yoga, where
many of us don't stand on our head,
but one of the reasons people fear it.
Let's face it, there's a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions
about yoga, but those of us who practice and teach yoga
know that it can be transformative.
It can build better mind body awareness,
and help us move and breathe better.
So today, I want to share five yoga fears and five truths
to tackle those fears to help remind you
and your members why yoga really is a great way
to feel better inside and out.
Fear number one, I'm not flexible.
Truth, yoga increases flexibility.
It doesn't require flexibility.
Practice is the mother of skill, and yoga is no different.
A consistent yoga practice, over time,
will help you to become more limber.
Not to mention, yoga increases flexibility of the mind
through breathing and meditation and mindful movement,
and I believe that transfers into everyday life.
Fear number two, it's intimidating,
and I feel awkward.
The cool clothes, maybe even Instagram poses,
sure, it can feel intimidating, just like anything
that's new for us.
Truth, no one is looking at anyone else,
because they're focused on their own work.
Yoga requires concentration.
We're all a work in progress.
Maybe some people can put their feet behind their head,
but is that really a requirement to help us be successful
in life?
Fear number three, I'm afraid I'll fart in class.
It happens, I said it, and yes, everyone shares that fear.
If we want to save our gas for the gas tank,
we can avoid practicing on a full stomach.
Or we can go to class with loud music,
in case the toot slips out.
Truth, if it does, don't worry.
No one will acknowledge it.
They'll just be grateful it wasn't them.
Fear number four, I'm just not a yoga person.
So what is a yoga person?
What do they look like or act like?
The beauty of yoga is that there's a style and a place
and a teacher that fits everyone's needs.
Truth, there is no stereotypical yogi.
All walks of life take yoga, from CEOs to football players
to professionals and everyone in between.
Yoga is all inclusive.
Fear number five, I can't quiet my mind.
We can't control our thoughts, but we can
manage what we do with them.
We can let go of attachment and accept
that thoughts are thoughts.
We don't have to act or believe in every one of them.
Truth, that's why breathing and meditation
are critical components of a yoga practice.
We learn to quiet our mind, and our thoughts
become less intrusive.
So those are my five yoga fears and five truths
to conquer those fears.
I'm Angie Miller, and I'm so glad you joined me today.
Let's continue to connect.
On Instagram, I'm AngieMillerFitness,
and on Facebook and Twitter, I'm AngieMillerFit.
My Website is AngieMillerFitness.com.
Keep doing what you love and loving what you do.
I'll see you next week.