1. I’m not flexible.

If you can get in and out of a car, you are flexible enough. And of course a yoga class can help you gain flexibility safely.

2. I don’t have time.

Give up an hour of TV or Facebook and you will be amazed at what you can do.

3. I can’t afford it.

Free, donation-based, and sliding-scale classes abound. Rumor has is that there are more yoga teachers in Austin per capita than anywhere else in the United States, which gives students a wide range of options for connecting with (or tripping over) teachers all over town.

4. I don’t have yoga clothes/props.

Wear any comfortable clothing that won’t show your business when you are lying down or bending over, and borrow props from your teacher or studio.

5. I don’t have a yoga body.

A body doing yoga is a yoga body.

6. I don’t fit in with the (young/heteronormative/woo woo) yoga people.

From Queerdalini to Black Metal Yoga to All Is One, there is a class for everyone, if you are willing to do a little research.

7. It conflicts with my (lack of) religion.

Yoga practice clears the way for connection to your inner teacher, the universal source, nothingness, and/or God.

8. I’m afraid.

Me, too. That’s why I practice yoga.

9. I like to do my own thing.

In a led public class, your teacher should always offer options so that you can make the practice your own. Ultimately, a teacher has done her job when you develop your own home practice—meanwhile, take advantage of a town teeming with teachers, classes, and studios.

10. The teachers think they have all the answers.

Just some of them; see 1 through 9.