Not Flexible? You Can Still Do Yoga

Hi. I teach yoga and I'm not flexible. This is me struggling to touch my toes...Yoga is not just about enhancing flexibility and strength, it's also about being a student of your body, and taking control of your own healthcare through mindful movement.

We have decades of bad habits (slouching, over/under tucking the tail bone, rounded shoulders, etc.) cemented into our anatomy from sitting at a desk, driving carrying backpacks, standing for too long, etc. So don't be surprised if it takes you years to be able to do a certain pose. Theres also a chance your body may never let you, because of your own unique anatomical limitations, and thats OKAY.

Everybody's skeleton is unique, and if you don't feel good being in a pose, even the "easy" ones, you need to listen to that. It's silly to say, but sometimes I think people forget they have bones. Bone alignment, and how bones heal from injury, affect how we move. Trying to force your body into shapes that are beyond the scope of the bones, their ligaments and their range of motion can result in injuries.

Don't feel like you have to be "good at yoga" or a former gymnast to take a yoga class. I can barely touch my toes - and I teach yoga! Start with a beginner class, yin yoga, or restorative. Take it slow, move with intent, and tune into your body. Don't judge yourself based on what people around you are doing. Seriously though, everyone feels a little insecure and awkward when they first start - it gets easier as time goes on. And remember that in the end, you only have one vessel to move you through an entire lifetime, treat it well…