Flexibility is a product of yoga, not a prerequisite. The more a person moves, the greater their flexibility. By the same token, an inactive lifestyle often results in reduced flexibility. The majority of people who come to my classes are not that flexible, people that start my classes might have tight hips, hamstrings or lower backs. Unquestionably not all of these people can touch their toes, actually, if I see a ‘super bendy’ individual in a class, chances are they are hyper-mobile, an ex-gymnast or dancer. They are not the average person in there. You, dear readers, the less bendy people, are the norm!
If you’ve seen the enthusiastic Yogis of Instagram craze or you watch videos of very advanced Yoga practitioners contorting their bodies into shapes and balances like pretzels and knots then this would seem unimaginable for most of us. This isn’t really yoga for the masses, it’s for the gymnast or the hypermobile person who also practices a lot of physical yoga. Some of these postures just wouldn’t be possible with different body types regardless of practice, we can’t change our anatomy.
As we age, we naturally lose some of our muscle elasticity, although some people in their 20’s can’t touch their toes and others in their 70’s are still very agile. There are things we can do to remain mobile with the passage of time. In fact, flexibility is one of the main factors which allows a person to remain independent as they age. Stretching exercises, strength training, yoga, and tai chi are good examples of activities that assist in retaining flexibility.
So, the benefits of moving mindfully, breathing well and learning to relax are open to everyone – no matter how much you can or can’t do when you start. Thankfully, the real yoga world welcomes everyone – whatever your age or shape, and importantly, however stiff or stressed.
Pause Yoga will be offering a new 'Fundamentals of yoga' class starting in January, it is designed to help decrease stress using breathwork and increase flexibility via a deliciously slow flow. It is a
perfect yoga class for complete beginners and those returning to yoga after a break.
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