Do You Have to be Flexible to Do Yoga?

Being Flexible

We all have different levels of flexibility. Go back and read that again: We all have different levels of flexibility. No two people are the same, and each person has their own experiences and practices. Like a snowflake, each person is unique, and each person will have a different level of flexibility depending on a variety of factors. So, what affects flexibility? Why are some people more flexible than others?

Factors That Effect Flexibility

There are many factors to take into effect when it comes to flexibility. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Gender- Women/people with female reproductive organs are, on average, naturally more flexible. Due to the fact that their bodies are capable of creating and have children, the hips need to be more open and flexible, and the muscles and tendons will need to be able to easily adjust for this.

• Prior Practice- A person's past practice will also affect their flexibility. For those who have been doing yoga for many years, poses will come easier. The more a pose is practiced, the easier it becomes over time as the body begins to adjust and get used to the movement.

• Genetics- A person's genetics can also very much affect flexibility. Sometimes, our genes make us naturally less flexible, and that's okay! Every person is different and every practice is different. The tighter the muscles and tendons, the less flexible a person might be.

• Age- On average, the younger we are, the more flexible we are. Think about kids who can put their feet behind their ears. As we age, the body grows tighter and less flexible. The way to avoid this loss of flexibility is to keep moving and doing yoga. Just because we lose flexibility doesn't mean we can't gain it back. There are numerous reasons that the body becomes less flexible over time. Some of these are due to the fascia hardening, scar tissue forming, arthritis, and so much more!

• Past Injuries/ Personal Health- Injuries can easily affect someone's flexibility. When a bad injury heals, there will usually be quite a bit of scar tissue forming around it. This can prevent easy movement and decrease flexibility. (If starting a practice after an injury, you should be VERY careful and make sure to speak to a doctor/ health professional ahead of time).

Your Practice

Remember, each yoga practice is unique to the person doing it. You do not need to be any one level of flexibility. Instead, take your time to find the best practice for you and have fun while doing it! Remember, yoga is about finding your flexibility, not about how flexible you can be.