One of the most common things I hear from people when talking about yoga, “I can’t do yoga, I’m not flexible at all.” While scrolling through Instagram, you probably see lots of flexible yogis posting really advanced postures, but I am going to let you in on a little secret…we hardly ever do those advanced postures in a yoga class. Like ever. If you have a body, you can do yoga. No double jointed limbs necessary.
A quick scroll through the social media pictures of yogis may seem intimidating. Many fear that they will get to a yoga class and it will be a room full of acrobats and dancers wrapping their legs around their heads or balancing upside down. Fear not, my friends. A typical vinyasa yoga class focuses on the fundamental yoga poses and repetitive sequences like Sun Salutations to build heat in the body and create muscle memory. Class to class, you do a lot of the same poses — downward dog, warrior two, extended side angle, plank, triangle and so on. You don’t have to be Gumby to get into these poses. Sure, your hips may feel a little tight because they’re not used to opening or your back may feel stiff because it’s not used to bending, but take my word, you can do these postures. What you see in in ads are often the most advanced versions of the postures, but there are many options and modifications of the original poses. While some poses may feel a little uncomfortable at first, there is a version or modification of each pose that will work for you! Yes, I’m talking to you folks who can’t touch your toes. If only I had a dollar for every time someone told me they can’t go to yoga because they can’t touch their toes… 😉
You don’t have to have any particular range of flexibility to go to a yoga class; doing yoga is what increases your flexibility! When starting out, I highly recommend beginning with a beginner class. “Beginner” can have a negative connotation, which is silly. A beginner class is perfect for the flexible and non-flexiable alike because it teaches you proper alignment, breaks down poses and builds your strength. Many yoga teachers I know, myself included, enjoy taking beginner’s classes every so often because it gives you a chance to slow down and focus on form. Win!
If there’s one thing I can promise you, it’s that people may start yoga to learn the cool “tricks” or to become more flexible, but it’s not what keeps them there. What keeps them there is the post yoga zen. Laying in savasana, heart beating, breath flowing, utter calm. Is it nice to do a pretty dancer pose? Absolutely, but it has nothing to do with why I step on my mat every day. Yoga provides peace and a place of stillness. It’s a safe place to let go and just be, tuning out from the busy world. It gives you strength, both mentally and physically, and empowers you to handle whatever comes your way once you step off of your mat.
Just try it. Dive right in (not in the Baltimore Inner Harbor *see above*), tight hamstrings and all. Go to a few studios, a few different teachers and various styles. Find a studio or a teacher you click with. Your hips will be feeling more open in no time, and your heart will be feeling even better.
x,
Morgan