As a yoga teacher there's one phrase I hear a lot and absolutely cannot stand:

"I tried yoga once and hated it."

Here's a few more common and loathed phrases:

"I'm not flexible, I can't even touch my toes!"
"I wish I could sit still for an hour, but I just can't."
"I don't want to be the only guy in the class."
"I don't have a mat/the right clothes/time for yoga class."

Really, the only reason I would accept for you to not try yoga is:

"I'm not interested in yoga."

That's fine, yoga isn't for everyone...thanks for being honest. Let's go get coffee... because I hope you're interested in coffee, otherwise we might not have anything in common.

Let's dive in a little deeper into these yoga "myths" and see if I can change your mind!

"I tried yoga once and hated it."

Where was the class? Chances are it was a gym yoga class or maybe a free community class. Now, don't get me wrong, I love gym yoga and free yoga. I first started practicing yoga at a gym and have taught and attended several free yoga classes. These classes are amazing, as they expose people who might not walk into a studio to yoga. Unfortunately they tend to be overcrowded and filled with people who are not very serious about yoga.

Also, if something is free, people tend to not give it very much value. Did you go once, giggle the entire time about the weirdos with the bare feet and the guy with his shirt off, and then get really annoyed when you couldn't balance for even 5 seconds in tree pose?

There are SO MANY different types of yoga classes. Your experience will vary greatly depending on the studio, the teacher, the style, even the time of day. Try a few classes, and a few teachers before writing off yoga completely .

"I'm not flexible, I can't even touch my toes!"

Yoga IMPROVES flexibility! So, if you're super stiff and inflexible, you need MORE yoga. Nobody will laugh or point at you, everyone remembers what their first time in a yoga class felt like. Nothing more to say here.

"I wish I could sit still for an hour, but I just can't."

If you're super antsy, then don't pick a class that has "slow," "meditative," or even "gentle" in the description. "Flow" classes will be your best choice.

I have to warn you though, after 15 sun salutations you might be wishing for the type of yoga class where you lay on your back the whole time.

"I don't want to be the only guy in the class."

Yoga classes tend to have more women than men. Sometimes you might be the lone gent. Does it really matter? If anything you might get a little bit of extra (good) attention. Also, the benefits to your body and mind greatly exceed any awkwardness about being around all those ladies. Don't take my word for it though.

"I don't have a mat/the right clothes/time for yoga class."

You could go out and spend some serious cash on high end clothing and a really nice yoga mat right now, but you don't need fancy clothes (just something comfortable and not too loose). You also don't need a fancy yoga mat. Get one for $15 at Target, or chances are the studio has one for free or a $1-$2 rental.

As for not having enough time? I don't buy it. Did you have enough time to watch 5 episodes of House of Cards last weekend?

When you're over-scheduled and stressed, that is the perfect time to relax, breathe, and focus on yourself for an hour. You'll leave feeling better than if you'd just zoned out on the couch for the same amount of time. I promise.