There is a misconception that you have to be flexible to do yoga. This belief is compounded by the myriad of social media images of people in complicated yoga poses.
It can make you come to the conclusion that there is no way I’m going to be able to do that and then file yoga away as “not for me”.
But yoga isn’t just about what will look good on Instagram. It is about your own experience of your body as it is right now, and the gradual improvements in strength and flexibility as you regularly practise yoga. It’s about your own journey towards better health and well-being.
Flexibility will come
Yoga builds flexibility. It’s just a matter of starting from where you are, whether you are un-flexible or not and then making gradual progress.
Like any new routine, you have to set time aside to put in the practice and eventually you start to see results. Each week will allow you to see improvements in flexibility and strength. As your body starts to feel better this is the incentive to keep going.
One study found that even one yoga class a week can lead to increased spinal mobility and flexibility of the hamstring muscles regardless of age.
The study concluded that yoga exercises should be recommended to the elderly to make their muscles more flexible and to increase the range of motion in the joints, which is particularly important for improving their life quality.
Start from where you are
Remember it’s just a matter of starting from where you are. The fabulous poses that you see on social media may be a result of many years of practice. Those yogis may be younger than you or older than you or more naturally flexible or any other comparison that you can imagine where you don’t match up, however you too can have your own yoga journey to go on.
The improvements you make are yours. The increased flexibility you give to your body is yours. The gift of feeling more healthy and energetic and positive, this is all yours to give yourself. And what a great gift to give.
You don’t need to be blessed with natural flexibility to start yoga. Flexibility will come with the practice. Here’s to flexibility and fun on your yoga journey.
Drop us a comment below if any of this rings true with you.
Can I do yoga if I’m not flexible?