When people find out that I teach Pilates and yoga, they often immediately disclose the reasons they don't practice either exercise form. I hear this excuse most often, "I could never do yoga, I'm so inflexible. I can't even touch my toes."
This is not the first time I've heard this excuse, and I actually love that people confess this to me. It gives me a chance to explain that inflexibility is not an excuse, but rather a reason to do yoga.
Most people aren't naturally flexible, but doing yoga can increase your flexibility almost immediately. Even after just a few classes, you will begin to notice a change in your body. You just have to get over that mental block that tells you you can't do it, and you just have to try.
If you can commit to a couple of classes every week, I guarantee that your muscles will become longer and suppler. That's what is so great about yoga. Our bodies were made to move, and your muscles crave it. Not only does yoga relax your mind and reduce stress, but the increased flexibility you'll feel can alleviate chronic pain and prevent injury.
So go ahead and take a yoga class. It's like with any new thing you try, whether it be playing an instrument or running a marathon. That amazing sense of pride and accomplishment you feel can only come when you witness yourself improving. No one is instantly great in the beginning, but as you practice, you'll get better and better.
Comme des Garcons
Sergio Rossi
Graham and Green
True true... I started doing yoga BECAUSE I'm inflexible. and it has helped some.
1I know this will sound ignorant but I was wondering if all yoga involves chanting (?) or spirituality or if it just teaches you the stretches and positions??
2Nope! Amanada-La... Not all yoga involves chanting. That was one of the things I hated about some yoga classes... Was all the chanting and visualizing. It's great for some people... But I felt uncomfortable doing it.
Bikram yoga does not involve any chanting whatsoever. There are breathing exercises at the start and end of each class. But no chanting.
3that's me! ridiculously inflexible and tall. i pay for a gym membership that includes all classes but their yoga classes are not beginner specific. i tried a few times but there is no one on one so i had no idea if i had proper for and was afraid i was going to pull something. soooo i guess when i get some $$$ i'll try to take a class at a small studio. i sure need it! my mom is crazy about yoga.
4no it doesn't amanda-la, No thank you I'm not bowing down to the yoga god. I always just ignore if the teacher happens to.
5lovekailua - I'm like you...inflexible and tall!! (5'11") I try to do a power yoga class once a week but wind up making it about twice a month - will do it more regularly in the winter. I love how it makes me feel - cleansed, vibrant and, yes, a bit more flexible. I still can't lean over hardly at all when seated and with my legs in a V position - I marvel at people who ca touch their faces/chests to the ground. Crazy!
6Yoga has really helped me become flexible ( I can touch my knees with my forehead now) and I couldn't even touch my toes when i first started.
7my excuse is feeling like i look like a fool because i dont know any of the postions, etc. If i start i dont want the teacher to keep having to show me stuff and interrupt the class.
8I've always just taken classes at the gym but the instructors (yogis) are always happy to stay after and help. The best ones walk around and help you modify. I never trust any instructor why stays up front. Most everyone I take from also teaches at studios but that's not always accessible although they do try to offer us special rates.
9I just started doing a yoga dvd and love it! My only question is how can I know if I'm doing it properly without an instructor? The toughest thing for me is sitting my butt on the ground with my legs bend to the sides... I don't think that will EVER happen.
10Susanec - that's interesting. When I first started taking yoga as a beginner 8 years ago, I actually liked when teachers stayed up front. That way I could watch him or her demonstrate the correct way to do the pose. Also, not everyone wants to be touched, especially if the instructor pushes them further than their muscles want to go. Getting that special attention can also make people feel uncomfortable and self-confident. I always liked talking to the instructor after class, and getting some 1 on 1 tips and techniques.
If you are new to yoga, talk to the instructor before class. Tell them if you want help or don't want help.
Amanda-La - great question and I agree with the comments above. Not all yoga involves the spiritual stuff, so ask around to find out about instructors whose classes don't include chanting or meditation.
11I was not flexible at all, when I started yoga. It didn't take long for that to change, though. It will also increase your ability to stay balanced. I had to use the wall for support, but I got better & better at it as time went by.
The only thing I didn't like about yoga was not the actual yoga, it was because my fat seemed to get in the way! I'm a little overweight & I always felt smushed when I tried to do certain poses. I will probably start classes again, once I lose some more weight.
My yoga teacher was the best. She would keep her eye on everyone & make sure you were doing it right. She always kept my back issues in mind before she let me try certain poses. She would only suggest that a person try to take a pose a little further, if she thought you could, but she would never physically force you to push it.
12I dont do yoga, because i am very Gassy. Its why i do pilates at home now.
13I've done yoga before and I KNOW I'm not as flexible as I could be. But it does help me to become more flexible. I'd love to be able to do some of those more advanced poses someday. But for now, I'll stick with the ones I do know how to do and I'll work my way up.
14My current (and favorite) instructor will sometimes move people but oftentimes just do the pose next the them. Or pantomime the correction or demonstrate on herself, such as tucking her tailbone or lowering her shoulders. She's very sensitive and always asks who's new, who has injuries, who needs to work what (the usual) and most people are regulars. It's more verbal than physical and she's very respectful.
I was really surprised in class one day when someone did touch me and it turned out to be the guy next to me who decided to try to spot my handstand. I didn't react very well and hurt his feelings but it was inappropriate (I also used to be a gymnast and a dancer so I wanted to do it myself).
15I agree with the staying up front. I like teachers who do that, or wander around and tell you how to have better form. The first yoga class I went to, the instructer came to me and twisted me into position. By the time I got to the locker room after class, my lower back was spasming badly. I was injured for a month. And, I had specifically told the instructor it was my first class. I never went back to that yoga studio. I do yoga at my gym and like the instructors substantially more. They don't do any of the new age stuff and don't try to twist you into shape. It is helpful to get a recommendation of a teacher before going. Don't think because it is a yoga-only studio that all the instructors are good. There are good and bad in all types of exercise instruction.
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