Yoga for People Who Think They're “Not Flexible”

“I can't do yoga. I'm not flexible.”

It's probably one of the most common things yoga teachers hear.

And it makes sense.

Yoga is often photographed as incredibly flexible people folding themselves into shapes that seem completely impossible.

But flexibility isn't a prerequisite for yoga.

It's one of the things you may explore through practice.

You don't need to arrive able to touch your toes.

You don't need to get your leg behind your head.

And you certainly don't need to look like the person on the mat next to you.

Your body is your body.

Some days you will feel more open. Some days you won't.

The practice is learning to notice that without turning it into a judgement.

You might use a smaller range of movement.

You might bend your knees.

You might use a cushion or block.

You might simply stop when you've had enough.

That's still yoga.

A good class should give you options rather than making you feel as though there is one correct shape you have to achieve.

Yoga is not a competition.

So if you've been waiting until you're flexible enough to start yoga, here's your permission to stop waiting.

Come as you are.

That's the whole point.