This is one of the most common things that I hear from people when I tell them that I I love to practice yoga and I am a yoga teacher as well. Oftentimes, some of those who belong to the yoga tribe already, describe their journey how they got less stiff and gained more mobility over time. But many people who are not (nor not yet ;) ) a part of it, will make a fuss about their flexibility.

Until now, I think this is number 1 from all the false believes or reasons for people for not doing yoga or even trying it out. And as funny as it sounds, I totally get it. I’ve been there, too!

I know exactly how it feels to be uncertain and uncomfortable when wanting to attempt something new like going into a Yoga class. You don’t know if you’ll be able to follow the flow. And all the worry that your body isn’t good enough – whether it’s too stiff, too old, to small, too heavy or simply not “right.”

But here me out – the truth is:
You don’t have to BE FLEXIBLE to start yoga. You will BECOME FLEXIBLE once you’ll start doing it and will consistently be showing up to built it up over time. Sorry to say: it will not happen over night. But as long as you’ll turn up and put the effort to work on it, you’ll start to see the progress.

Small advice from my own experience: be kind to yourself and don’t compare your journey to somebody else’s – they may have been practicing yoga already for years. Instead, take their progress rather as a positive sign that it’s really possible, and let it inspire you – you can reach that goal, too.

On another note: there’s value in not being super flexible. Less flexible people are often less likely to overextend and injure themselves. It’s really all about balance.

Yoga is more than just flexibility

Yoga often gets mistaken for being only about physical excercise or for being too spiritual or too religious. But it’s much more than that. It can actually be whatever you need it to be.
It might be taking 10 to 60 minutes for yourself in a day, moving gently, breathing deeply and simply honoring your body. It might be reading about yoga philosophy to nourish your mind. Or it might be sitting in meditation or practicing pranayama for just a few minutes a day. So you choose what yoga is and how it looks like for you.
Some days yoga for me is simply just breathing, meditating or reading, without physcial practice. And that’s OK too.
It’s about meeting myself where I am, every single day.

Yoga is for every body!

It is certain that yoga will help you improve your range of motion, increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Short reminder here: you can modify poses until your body feels ready to do them fully. There’s nothing wrong with adapting – every body is different and yoga is for everyone.
Props like yoga blocks, straps, blankets or pillows can help you adjust the poses to suit your needs. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Start slowly.
Allow your practice to build as your flexibility and confidence grow.
Make it a lifelong practice.
And I promise: you won’t regret it.
Just start where you are.

Beeing passionate about understanding how the human body works and moves, with the experience and my knowledge gathered so far, I truly believe that yoga can be adapted to fit everybody’s unique needs.
Thus, I advise you to stop telling yourself that you have to be “good enough” to start. Just meet yourself where you are and the rest will come with time.

And if you’re still unsure if yoga is right for you, I am here to listen.
No pressure, no obligation – just honest guidance.

And remember, yoga doesn’t have to be complicated.
Even if all you’ll do today is to sit and breathe for five minutes, that’s still your time.
Make it counts.