Can I Do Yoga If I'm Not Flexible?

July 15, 2024

Written By: Coach MJ


What if I'm not flexible, can I do Yoga?


 

A big YES !! 


 

Yoga can help us release tension and stress we are holding on to and improve your flexibility. The important thing to remember is to start slowly, and stay in your range of motion, never forcing your body to go past your ability. Over time, as we ease the tension in our body to relax more into the poses, we build strength and flexibility.

 

Ever watch babies putting their toes in their mouths and just marveling at the little effort it takes for them to stay there? As we grow up and mature our flexibility changes, but it doesn’t have to decrease. An important part of our physical health is being able to move and flexibility plays a role in that, but we often lose or limit our flexibility due to age, lack of movement or exercise, stress and poor posture as our muscles become tense and tight.


Here are a few of the benefits that yoga can help to improve your flexibility:


*Better posture. Standing, sitting or repetitive movements at work, home or travel add strain to our body and often cause poor posture making our muscles tighten and tense.


*Better range of motion. The more flexible your joints are, the better to move them in a normal direction with less effort.


*Reduce muscle tension. As we learn to hold the poses longer and with good form, we stretch out our muscles, releasing any tightness or tension we may be holding.


*Less stress. As we lower the stress in our joints and muscles our body and mind can relax better and in turn we learn to turn off our stress in a healthy way.


*Less pain. A good stretch and yoga session can help reduce our pain that is being held in by tight muscles that are pulling and causing discomfort and pain.

 

As with all forms of exercise, starting slow and holding good form are important to find the benefits of yoga and stretching routines. Working within your range of motion, using props to support you as needed, and open communication with your yoga coach (especially when you are unsure of a pose or something doesn’t feel right) are key parts to getting the most out of your yoga session. 

 

To learn more about what Degree Fitness Seaforth has to help you on your health and fitness journey contact info@degreefitnessseaforth or click HERE to book your FREE No Sweat Intro to find out more on yoga or other programs available!

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