If you are a Christian seeking to blend the various and proven beneficial effects of practicing yoga alongside biblical doctrines and prayer, Christian Yoga is perfect for you.

Today, in its non-traditional style, Christian yoga involves the practice of yoga outside the spiritualistic factors of Hindu culture, is trending. People concentrate more on the asana (the postures and positions) and the pranayama (breath control exercise). Therefore, Christian yoga concentrates on the stretches and breathing involved in yoga instead of traditional yoga’s underlying spiritual principles.

There have been many misconceptions regarding Christian yoga.  It is essential to educate yourself and to find the proper class and instructor. Below are some of the most common misconceptions you usually hear about Christian yoga.

Christian Yoga: Common Misconceptions

1. Yoga is a religion.

Yoga was not, is not, and never will be a religion. It advocates no deities or gods; it is based on the premise of perceptual affirmation rather than a religious ideology. The fact is that yoga pre-dates religion, but religious individuals have already practiced yoga. As a Christian, regardless of what you want to do to venerate the temple given by the Lord, you should take regular appropriate measures to glorify Christ. Christians praise and glorify Christ as they take care of themselves. Characteristics of yoga have been adopted into several sects, like with religion. Still, it is not a religion in itself, nor must you be a religious person to do yoga. The art of yoga, self-meditation, and moments of stillness has been used by many eastern cultures to focus on self-enlightenment.

2. There are some strange elements involved in yoga.

Yoga does not include any strange factors. There are only three components that yoga focuses on, and they are certainly not weird.

• Poses.

Yoga poses are a collection of movements aimed at improving body strength and flexibility; it is often termed as asanas. Positions vary from laying on the ground while relaxed to challenging postures that could have you testing your limits. There are an underlying reason and an advantage to each pose.

• Breathing.

A significant aspect of yoga is regulating your breathing. It will greatly help you calm your mind, relieve tension, and optimize the lungs’ function.

• Meditation or relaxation.

Meditation, in Christian yoga, is basically quieting the mind as he or she will take the time to be in the presence of God, being relaxed and looking forward to hearing from Him or meditating on the Holy scripture.

3. I cannot do yoga because I am not flexible enough

Yoga practice promotes flexibility, endurance, and balance. You need to start now and begin building from there. Regular participation in yoga practice will enable you to make progress.

4. I am too old to practice yoga

This is definitely not true. Yoga is meant for all ages.

5. I do not have a body meant for yoga

Yoga can be practice by just about anybody – no matter what body type you have. Having an instructor and classes appropriate for what you are is the key to being successful in doing yoga. Yoga can further help with weight loss and let you appreciate your body and love it.

6. I cannot do yoga because I have chronic pain and injuries

Yoga is best for you, actually. Talk beforehand with an instructor so that she can make some modifications. Yoga can help improve your overall wellbeing and is also a way to relieve pain.

7. Yoga can only be practiced by women

Men actually started yoga. In fact, there was a time when women were not permitted to practice yoga at all. As even more people are enlightened about yoga’s positive effects, a lot of men have been practicing it nowadays. Yoga is a top-up to just about any sport, and it is now added into their routine by many pro athletes.

Benefits of Christian Yoga

Yoga offers a number of benefits, and it includes the following:

1. It draws Christian closer to God by meditation and reflection of God’s word

2. Improved flexibility and balance – the very first things that we start losing are flexibility and balance as we get older. Yoga can help in maintaining these and reinforce these.

3. Trauma healing – studies have proven that the body and brain are vulnerable to trauma and stress. In hopes of helping trauma victims reconcile with their bodies in a calm environment, many mental health providers are now introducing yoga to them.

4. Relieves chronic stress and significantly curtail depression

5. Development of endurance and toning of muscles – a pose, as seemingly easy to be performed, can significantly help improve strength and stamina.

6. Optimized concentration – it helps to enhance focus and concentration by training to perform poses while disregarding disturbances.

7. Improved breathing ability and energy

8. Maintenance of healthy metabolism, weight loss, and conscientious eating

9. Improves the cardio and circulatory functions of the body:

10. Management of pain

11. Detoxifies the body

12. Better quality in the density of the bones

13. Mindful eating – becoming more mindful of how your body feels translates over during mealtime as when you truly appreciate each bite or drink and note how food tastes, smells and feels inside the mouth.

14. Benefits the heart – yoga helps lower the blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol; all of these are good for heart health and blood vessels.

15. Helps regulate weight – yoga-developed mindfulness will lead you to be more sensitive to signs of hunger and satiety, helping you create a positive attitude towards food.

16. Overall well-being – doing yoga a few days a week develops muscle strength and endurance, enhances stamina, and regulates your heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

In yoga, there are several different options available with varying classes and instructional strategies. If you are new to Christian yoga, do not be shy to seek advice from a yoga instructor. By exercising with a skilled yoga instructor, you will be assured that your poses are right and help deter any untoward incidents.