Yoga. The word might conjure images of hyper-flexible contortionists doing headstands, glowing in neon-colored spandex or striking Instagram-worthy poses on tropical beaches. However, spoiler alert: Most of what we may think we know about yoga may be completely off the mark.

Let’s unravel the myths and set the record straight with 10 things many of us may have thought we knew about yoga—but were totally wrong:

1. One Has to Be Super Flexible

Wrong. Flexibility is not a requirement—it’s a result. Yoga is about meeting oneself where one is, whether we can touch our toes or not. The only thing that needs to stretch is our mindset.

2. We Need Flashy, Skin-Tight Clothes

Nope. We don’t need to show up looking like a walking billboard for Lululemon. Yoga is about comfort, breath and freedom of movement. Wear what feels good (bonus points for cozy sweatpants).

3. It’s All About Fancy Pretzel Poses

Not even close. The postures (asanas) are just one small part of yoga. Breathwork, meditation, mindfulness and ethical principles are equally (if not more) important.

4. Yoga is Only for the Young and Fit

A hard no. Yoga is truly for every body—all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Whether 18 or 80, there’s a style of yoga that can meet our needs and support our well-being.

5. We Have to Be Calm All the Time

False. Yoga doesn’t turn us into a Zen monk overnight. It provides tools to manage stress, but we’re still human. It’s okay to lose our cool sometimes—just breathe and begin again.

6. Yoga is Just Stretching

Stretching is only the tip of the iceberg. Yoga is a mind-body practice that balances strength, stability, flexibility and mental clarity. Many classes will leave us sweating and feeling muscles we didn’t know existed.

7. It’s Only for Women

Nope. Yoga was originally practiced by men for thousands of years. Today, more men are discovering the physical and mental benefits of yoga, from NFL players to CEOs. Yoga doesn’t discriminate.

8. Expensive Gear is Needed

Wrong again. All that’s truly needed is our body, breath and perhaps a simple mat. Yoga isn’t about what we own—it’s about how we show up.

9. Yoga is not Religion

It is rooted in a spiritual tradition that deserves respect. It comes from a culture that understood the body, breath and mind as pathways to deeper awareness. While yoga doesn’t ask us to adopt a particular faith, it’s not just stretching or stress relief. It’s a lifelong practice that can deepen our connection to ourselves, others and maybe even to the big cosmic question mark we’re all circling. Whether one comes to yoga for movement, mindfulness or meaning, one is stepping into a living tradition, not just a wellness trend.

10. One Has to Be “Good” at Yoga

The biggest myth of all. There’s no such thing as being “good” or “bad” at yoga. If we’re breathing and present, we’re already doing it right. Yoga is a personal journey, not a competition.

We don’t need to twist like a pretzel or wear designer leggings to practice yoga. We just need a willingness to show up. Yoga is about stretching—yes, our body, but also our mind, our perspective, our capacity to try something new. It’s a path of self-discovery, healing and clarity—open to everyone, just as they are.

So, roll out a mat, or don’t. Sit in a chair, lie on the floor, take a breath. The practice will meet everyone wherever they are.

Now that’s yoga.

Cheryl Van Sciver, cofounder of Balanced Planet Yoga, brings decades of practice, from physical asana to meditation and Ayurveda. An ERYT 200/500, Reiki I/II, Budokon-certified teacher and a Master of Business Administration holder, she fosters inclusive, healing spaces grounded in deep self-investigation. For more information, visit www.BalancedPlanetYoga.com.