But there are also many things that won’t happen just because you’ve done a downward facing dog, We’re here to set the record straight.
You'll fall madly in love with yoga right away.
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Different people like different types of yoga (and there are a lot of different types), and your first class might be one that you don't exactly enjoy. Don't get discouraged. Keep trying new classes until you find one that fits your needs.
You'll never have to run ever again!
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Yoga is great exercise. It forces you to build a strong core and develop great balance, but a typical session of yoga will only burn between 250 to 300 calories.
Doing yoga several times a week combined with other forms of exercise, like weight training or running, can ensure that you're still burning calories, while also allowing your muscles to stretch and get adequate recovery time.
Cirque du Soleil wants to hire you.
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We're sorry, but your dreams of traveling with a circus as a contortionist will still not be realized.
Though you can learn impressive moves in yoga, beginners are encouraged to start out slowly, and many experienced yogis still aren't interested in complicated moves. Focus on what feels right for your body, and if you are ready for a more challenging pose, your body will let you know.
Meat is out, and vegan is in.
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While many practicing yogis are vegetarian or vegan, it's not required for enjoying all of the amazing benefits of the yoga practice. In other words, you don't have to go without animal products to be a true yogi.
And if you are interested in cutting out meat from your diet, it will likely take more than one yoga class for you to commit to such a lifestyle change.
Yoga will be your new Match.com.
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It's true that many different types of people practice yoga, but the odds of finding your one and only are pretty slim, especially amongst all the sweat. We won't say it's impossible though; just make sure you start yoga with other priorities in mind.
You'll walk into class with the perfect ensemble.
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Your outfit will twist, lift and bunch in the most distracting way possible. But don't fret, eventually you'll learn to ignore this, embrace the body you have and worry less about what's covering it.
Levitation? No problem.
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If Chris Angel can't levitate without the help of wires, neither can you. Though yoga can open the doors to greater spirituality through meditation and mind-body connection, you'll find most modern studios leave ancient mysticism behind.
You'll love the smells.
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Whenever you have a group 40-plus individuals who are moving, breathing and sweating together, there is bound to be one or two individuals who contribute to the not so fresh odor. And yes, all the twisting, folding and squeezing can produce unexpected flatulence.
We know it's gross, but it happens.
Perfect balance.
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Accept the idea now that falling in almost every standing pose is unavoidable, and you'll have a much more enjoyable experience. Some poses can be pretty tricky when it comes to balance, so don't let your self-consciousness get the best of you if you stumble.
You'll immediately find your inner peace.
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Yoga absolutely contributes to an inner sense of calm, but you'll find throughout your practice that calm is less of a destination and more of a journey. In other words, you won't leave your first class feeling like you have no problems in the world, but you will have learned an incredible new way of dealing with them—yoga.
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