Will Yoga Make Me More Flexible?

If you’re looking to touch your toes, yes yoga can help you get there.  Though I warn you —you’ll learn a lot more along the way down.

Inactivity, which causes one to lose flexibility, results in stiffness in both body and mind.  So the more you move, the more limber the body becomes and hence, the more open your mind will be to what life has to offer.

Yoga asanas (postures), when practiced correctly, require every part of the physical body to be a part of the “yoga party”.  So yes, yoga will help you become flexible from head to toe.  Though over time, you’ll find your mental, emotional and somatic bodies (which I won’t discuss here) are natural “guests” at the yoga party you’re hosting on your mat.  These guests actually are always there but you may not have been aware of them.  The more you show up on your mat, the more you’ll take note and party with these guests.

Simple answer, YOGA will make you more flexible but you’ll get so much more from a regular yoga practice than being able to touch your toes.  Yoga will help relieve muscle tension, increase range of motion, create muscle tone and relieve stress.  Cardio conditioning, body alignment, weight and pain management are also benefits some experience from a regular yoga practice.

Best of all, yoga is an natural tool for becoming present in your life, both on and off the mat, as well as finding the inner peace that resides in you.    Oh, and let me not forget to mention, the more you start to touch your toes you’ll find yourself getting regular pedicures.  Namaste!