Four Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Yoga

“Oh, I don’t have the time to do yoga.”
“Ah, I’m not flexible enough for yoga.” 
“I don’t have the right body shape for yoga.” 

If these thoughts have ever crossed your mind, you might not be getting the whole picture when it comes to yoga. When we say yoga is an extremely accessible discipline and for EVERY body–we really mean it. Sadly, due to the widespread commercialization, yoga is often misunderstood in the West. However, we’ll be showing it in a different light that perhaps shines more from the East. 
…and hopefully, it’ll make you want to roll out your mat.

1. It’s More Than Just Stretching 

Social media would have us believe that yoga is all about holding a pretty pose in front of a lake, but shock–there’s more to it than that. If we completely remove the distorted interpretation of today’s yoga, we learn that it is quite literally about “union.” In yoga, the body, breath, and mind are seen as a union and through various techniques, we can cultivate this union. Meditation, practicing the right breathing, and living a life of good intentions are all key parts when it comes to getting the most out of yoga. Remember yoga is comprehensive, what you do off the mat is just as important as what you do on it. 

2. It Can Be For Everyone  

If you’ve ever stepped into a yoga studio chances are it is predominantly women. However, traditionally the opposite was true. It’s easy to think you have to be of a certain age and look a certain way to get the most out of yoga, but we’re here to say that just isn’t the case. When we think about yoga at a core level we see a prioritization of exploration, experimentation, and reflection instead of compulsion. 

3. What You Wear Matters (but not in the way you might think) 

Stretches and poses are a part of yoga which means it is important to feel good in your attire. Commercialization has led many to believe we have to wear a certain type of clothing to fulfill poses like the downward dog, however it is actually about wearing clothes that aren’t a distraction and allow you to move freely. Yes, we’ve got sports bras and leggings for tall women along with women's high-waisted yoga pants but we also have loose-fitting pieces for tall men and women because there really isn’t a right or wrong answer on what to wear. 

4. The Benefits Of Yoga Are Plentiful 

The benefits of yoga are still ongoing and while the research is still in its infancy, there is a lot to show that it truly does have a positive impact on lives. If you like yoga, great! Keep doing it and if you’re looking to get into it, you should. Mind-body exercises and heightening your self-awareness can only improve how we take care of ourselves. Just be mindful of all the outlandish claims you may come across and remember it is a practice that transcends the physical and is to be embraced every day. 

Think of yoga as a tool that can help you get to a peaceful state and sustain it for a longer period of time. Through physical movements, breathing, mindfulness, and so much more you can start to learn how to activate this blissful state. So, if you’re looking to improve your overall health, we highly recommend giving yoga a try. 

And finally, if you’re wondering where American Tall fits into this, well wherever you might be on your yoga journey, we believe that wearing attire that helps to engage in the process of improving one’s health should always be top of mind. 

From women's high-waisted yoga pants to sports bras and leggings set for tall women, shop our Balance Collection here. Plus, shop our A.T. Performance Collection for tall men.