Basic Questions (New Member)

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi Everyone,

Iv recently sparked an interest in Yoga and am currently practicing at home with a DS… (Nintendo DS) on a game called “Let’s Yoga”

The reason i got the game to practice with is because id like to get a little bit more flexible before i start classes.

My question is, I know your flexibility improves but can everyone achieve the same level of flexibility? On “Lets Yoga” one of the moves is where you touch your toes, I couldnt go all the way down to my toes, my fingers are about 15cm away from them, If i continue to do this stretch daily or “Frequently” (daily if its safe) Should i be able to also reach my toes? or do differant people have differant limits?

Also, has anyone own and use or played “Lets Yoga” Im planning to start classes in a week or two but am thinking of the next week or so as my “warmup” as my flexibility has gone downhill rapidly since i stopped playing football.

Thanks in advance for the help,

:slight_smile:

Zen.

#2

Hi Zen,

Welcome to the forum. I don’t have any experience with Nintendo game you mention, but I am a yoga teacher!

It is very sad that yoga has developed this reputation as being all about flexibility. Yes, you need to become more flexible in order to access the stronger/more difficult poses, but you don’t have to be bendy to begin with and it is only one of many health and fitness benefits that yoga brings.

Regular yoga practice will increase your flexibility surprisingly quickly and, in a way, that can be far more encouraging for the stiff beginner rather than a flexible beginner.

There is no set standard, measure or goal of flexibility. Body types, diet, age and injury/health history all pay roles in an individuals ability. I would suggest you don’t worry too much about what anyone else is doing, set yourself your own goals and work steadily. You cannot force the body to open, let it happen in its own time with regular practice.

Enjoy the journey - there is no destination! Best wishes,

Kate Porter Yoga

#3

Thanks for the great response Kate.

Maybe ill look at beginning classes sometime this week, rather than waiting. Ill have to look on the net for a nearby class.

As a yoga instructor how many times do you recommend someone attend class a week to get the full benefit? Iv also been attending beginners buddhist & meditation classes as recently iv been persuing a more meanigful, healthier and more relaxed lifestyle so of course id like to heavily incorporate these things into my everyday life.

#4

Hi Zen,

I suggest you begin by going to class twice a week. Most of us, in time, end up practicing 6 days a week; but that does not mean only going to classes, it includes self practice.

The very best thing you can do however, is to spend a little time each day - even if it is just 5 minutes, doing some basic exercises; perhaps begin with simple stretches. If you are meditating daily it would be easy to incorporate the stretches before or after the meditation.

Hope that helps, happy yoga-ing!
Kate