日本語は↓↓↓

Interested in yoga but something is stopping you? Well, you are not alone. Does any of these sound familiar to you?

1. I am not flexible so I cannot do yoga
2. I will embarrass myself in a group class
3. Yoga is for females
4. (This one for English speakers living in Tokyo) I can’t find English yoga classes in Tokyo

There are many types of yoga – more physical, more stretchy, more relaxing, etc. Whatever the style, yoga helps you regulate your body and your mind. Just like anything new you want to try, you will need to explore yourself and no one can drag you into it. But I hope the below will give you some good hints.

1. I am not flexible so I cannot do yoga… We do yoga not because we are flexible. We do yoga because we are “not” flexible. None of us was born to be flexible. The story may be different for people who did gymnastics at a young age, but most of us didn’t! The reality is, those yogi’s who might look flexible to you, they probably started where you are. Don’t let that thought stop you from doing something good. Indeed, yoga is not only about flexibility. It is also about building strength (especially in more active classes like mine), practicing good breathing patterns, and meditating. All of them have proven benefits to help you stay physically and emotionally healthy.

2. I will embarrass myself in a group class… Yoga is about self-regulation. It is such a waste of energy to compare yourself with the person next to you, because you practice yoga for “you”, not that person next to you. Why focus on someone else when you can focus on you. I always tell my students that the goal is not touching your toes or standing on your hands. The goal of every practice is that you are moving your body that it feels good, and you are working on your breath that it feels good, and you are focusing/calming your mind that it feels good. Doesn’t really matter if you can touch your toes or stand on your hands.

3. Yoga is for females… Yoga allows you to practice physical strength and emotional strength. If females are the only people who can practice yoga, it would be sooooo unfair! (lol). I understand that a lot of studios in Japan may be more female-centric, and it may feel intimating to go into a practice with a bunch of ladies. Guys, go find a studio that makes you feel comfortable! Did you know thousands of years ago when yoga started in India, it was mainly practiced by men? Indeed, when you go to the western world, it is very common to see men in a yoga room. Funny enough, the very first person who invited me to a yoga class 15 years ago was a guy friend. I have to give him credit for having changed my life!

4. I can’t find English yoga classes in Tokyo… It IS hard to find an English studio! As a gaijin (“foreigner”) living in Tokyo for 1.5+ decade, I have really struggled with that. The good news is, Tom and I offer fully bilingual classes here at IYC Omotesando. Hatha yoga classes, led by Tom, focus on poses and breathing at a slower, more deliberate pace. Vinyasa yoga classes, led by me (Joey), focus on breathing but with a more dynamic (faster) set of movements.

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誤解①柔軟性がないからヨガができない

いいやいいや、柔軟性があるからヨガをやるのではなくて、ヨガをやることで柔軟性を高めるんです。体が柔らかそうな人って、きっとあなたと同じところでスタートしました。実際、ヨガは柔軟性を高めるだけでなく、体幹の強化（特に私の担当するようなヴィンヤサ系ヨガ）、呼吸法の練習、また、マインドを落ちつかせてくれる効果もあります。

誤解②見られるのが恥ずかしい

ちょっと待って！ヨガって、自分に集中して、自分のためにやるものです。隣の人のポーズに気にして、エネルギーが無駄ではない？きれいにポーズをとるのがヨガのゴールではない。気持ちよーーく体を動いて、深い呼吸をして、汗もかいて血行もよくなって、気持ちよーーくなる。それがヨガのゴールです。隣の人は関係ない！😆

誤解③ヨガは女性のもの

ヨガは体と心を整えてくれる効果があります。女性だけできることになると、すごい不公平ではない？！😂確かに女性が多いスタジオに行くのが抵抗感がありますよね。そうでないスタジオも増えているので自分が行きやすいと感じるスタジオを探しましょう！(@iyc のような!)。実際、海外に行くとメンズヨギが多いし、ヨガって大昔インドでスタートした時は男性が練習するもんでした。面白いことに、15年前に初めて私をヨガスタジオに連れていたのが男性のお友達でした。彼を一生感謝しなきゃ❤️

誤解④ 東京に英語のヨガ教室がない

Tom先生と私は、毎週IYC表参道で日英のバイリンガルクラスを担当しています。是非遊びにいらしてください～

Instagram: @joeytokyo