I’m Not Flexible Enough to Do Yoga

Saying you are not flexible enough to try yoga is like saying you are too dirty to take a bath. Basically, through yoga we gain more flexibility, just as through taking a bath that we become clean. Unfortunately, a lack of flexibility is still one of the most commonly used excuses to avoid beginning the practice of yoga. Inflexibility is also a state of mind that yoga addresses.

The Inflexible Mind

Avoiding things is always easy because we have created a belief system as an excuse. Assumed lack of physical flexibility seems like a good excuse not to do yoga. Some people who use this excuse may have other reasons they are not interested in yoga, but they use the excuse because it’s convenient. For those who really are worried that they are not flexible enough, have a misunderstanding of the purpose of yoga. Looking at the possibilities of what yoga offers with an open, more flexible mind might bring everyone to the yoga mat.

The Challenge of Too Much Flexibility

In reality, naturally flexible people need to be more careful and aware than the rest of us when they practice yoga. Though they move more easily into many of the poses, they are at a higher risk of over-flexing joints, causing short-term injury or long-term damage to tendons and ligaments. The person with a flexible body type should move with greater awareness and work to improve the other areas of their practice. Less flexible people, while they may have a harder time attaining the final version of some poses, are less likely to strain or injure their joints because they are more likely not to push themselves beyond their capability. And, eventually, they become a bit more flexible over time.

Flexibility is Only Part of the Equation

Several physical traits and abilities are equally as important as flexibility in the practice of yoga. These include strength, stamina, and balance. Through the physical actions of yoga, muscular strength increases. Most yoga poses focus on the muscular actions needed to align the body and maintain the asana or body posture, as well as repeating them, which increases one's stamina in the art of yoga. Balance is an important component. Like flexibility, good balance is not required in the beginning but this surely improves with practice.

All four of these components are of equal value in yoga. Some of us are naturally strong, but not flexible, or vice versa. We should not let our perceived lack of ability in any one area keep us away from yoga. Through the ongoing practice of yoga, we improve in all four areas. The next time someone says they are not flexible enough for yoga, share your experience that flexibility is only one part of yoga. Lack of flexibility is all the more reason to try yoga.