I’m not flexible enough.
I’m too nervous to do yoga.
I tried it once at a gym and it seemed too difficult.
My body is too tired.
I don’t have time.
Yoga is only for women.
My doctor told me not to exercise.
I’m too old for this.
I prefer doing videos at home.
I have back problems, arthritis, osteoporosis.
Yoga is only for relaxation.
People who practice yoga must have psychological problems.
I just don’t see how it could help me.
As a yoga teacher, these are phrases I hear quite often.
They reveal how many misconceptions still surround the practice of yoga and raise an important question: who is yoga actually for?
First, it is important to recognize the remarkable impact yoga can have on the body, mind, and spirit. It is not by chance that yoga has become a global practice embraced by millions of people. In fact, the United Nations officially recognized its holistic benefits by declaring June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, celebrating its positive contribution to human well-being.
Despite this recognition, it is surprising that many health professionals—particularly in Greece—are still unfamiliar with how yoga can support people with various conditions. Fortunately, modern research continues to demonstrate its benefits. Today, yoga is being studied and applied in programs designed for people with spinal conditions, chronic depression, cancer survivors, individuals with disabilities, and many other groups.
The physical aspect of yoga was originally developed with healing and balance in mind.
But what do we actually mean when we say the word Yoga?
The word “Yoga” is often translated as “union” or “integration.” It refers to the harmonizing of opposing energies and is rooted in the principle of non-violence toward oneself and others. Yet its deepest meaning is experiential rather than theoretical.
According to both ancient teachings and modern perspectives on energy, everything in existence consists of energy. Yoga aims to purify and balance the energies within the human being, allowing practitioners to experience greater harmony between body and mind. Over time, this process can lead to a deeper awareness of one’s true nature and a sense of connection with something greater than oneself.
Most yoga practiced in the West belongs to the tradition known as Hatha Yoga. This includes various systems such as Sivananda, Iyengar, Anusara, and others. These practices focus primarily on the body and the preservation of health, cultivating discipline and consistency so the body becomes a strong and stable vehicle for life.
However, the physical practice is only one part of the larger science of yoga. Ultimately, yoga aims at the education and transformation of the mind.
Although yoga originates from ancient Indian philosophy and appears in Hindu texts, practicing yoga in modern studios does not mean joining a religious sect. Its philosophical teachings—such as compassion, devotion, and inner awareness—are values shared by many spiritual traditions.
At its core, yoga is a personal and experiential journey. It invites us to return to the present moment, listening to the body while maintaining awareness of the mind.
For this reason, yoga is accessible to everyone. Each person practices according to their own abilities, ideally guided by an experienced teacher.
As Sharath Jois, teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, once said:
“From young children to old age, everyone can practice yoga. The only people who cannot practice yoga are the lazy.”
Perhaps it is worth trusting his words.