5. Yoga Is Just Glorified Stretching
Yoga does involve a lot of stretching, but you’re gaining more than just flexibility and mobility. You’re also building strength. “Many of the movements involve holding your own body weight as resistance, and this can improve muscular strength and endurance,” Clayton says.

In one study, for instance, a 12-week yoga program improved not only flexibility but also cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength and endurance in a group of healthy adults.

6. I Don’t Have Lots of Spare Time for Yoga
Parker doesn’t mince words when she hears this myth. “You have time, you’re just choosing to spend it doing other things,” she says.

And, she says, there’s no minimum or maximum amount of time you need to do yoga. Longer yoga sessions can offer more benefits (depending on why you’re practicing and what results you’re looking for), but even short ones can boost mood, relieve stress, and increase physical fitness. You can do simple yoga flows at your desk to alleviate pain, increase cognitive function, and lower stress, Parker says. Or do five minutes of Sun Salutations in the morning or at night to achieve those same effects.

RELATED: A 5-Minute Stress Relief and Calming Yoga Flow

7. Yoga Will Get in the Way of Other Types of Training
Because of the restorative, strengthening, and meditative aspects of yoga, experts say the right type of yoga complements nearly any other type of physical activity. “If your muscles are tight, your muscles are also weak, and if you lack flexibility, you’re unable to access the muscle’s entire power potential,” Parker says. By doing yoga, you may find that you can perform better in other activities like strength training and aerobic exercise.  

Plus, yoga gives those muscles much-needed relief from other activities. “Most yoga is designed to heal and aid in active recovery,” Parker says.

The key is finding the right practice to balance out the other types of activity you’re doing, Parker says. If strength training is your primary focus, look for a yoga practice that focuses on flexibility and mobility. If you’re spending most of your time doing cardio, look for a yoga practice that will help you build strength. Or if you’re following an intense training plan for an upcoming race or event, check out a restorative yoga practice.