When people I meet find out that I am a power yoga instructor and own my own yoga studio in Conshohocken, they may ask, “Do you have to be flexible to do yoga?” They may also say, “I am not flexible, yoga isn’t for me.” When a new yogi comes to the studio, they may say, “I am not flexible at all, but I am going to try.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about yoga! Yes, many people who practice yoga are flexible, but they probably didn’t start out that way. You do not have to be flexible to do yoga, but yoga does help you become more flexible.
When people say they can’t do yoga because they are not flexible, it’s almost like saying they need to know how to swim before learning how to swim. Yoga classes help you improve your flexibility just like swimming classes teach you how swim and improve your swimming skills.
When you consistently take a yoga class, your flexibility will improve. Every time you do a pose, you will go a little bit further than you did the last time. It may not seem like it at the time, but after some time you will see that your flexibility has improved. Of course, this will depend on each person and how often they come. Some people see improvement in a month, some even see it after 2 weeks of coming 3 times a week.
Power yoga is an intense and vigorous workout. Many people who try power yoga the first time will tell me that it is totally not what they expected. They get a great workout pouring in sweat, and it is not easy. This is coming from people who run regularly or play sports.
So, bottom line, you do not have to be flexible to do yoga. If you can’t touch your toes, you can still try yoga. You are not required to do a handstand or other advanced poses. Just like you are not required to run a marathon when you first start running.
Don’t be discouraged if you want to try yoga and are not flexible. Just try it! What do you have to lose?
First power yoga class FREE!! Put “FreeSol” in the promo box when you sign up here!
See more: Facing the fear and get inspired @ Sol Yoga Studio in Conshohocken, PA
