Yoga Isn’t About Being Bendy It’s About Being Wise - in your body

Let’s talk about a misconception that’s been floating around about yoga for far too long. That yoga is all about extreme flexibility.

If you can’t twist yourself into a pretzel or touch your toes while standing on one leg, you’re no good at it or “doing it wrong.”

That’s just not true.

What is true is that chasing extreme flexibility can do more harm than good.

We live in a culture that glorifies being bendy. Instagram feeds are full of lithe toned people in contortionist-worthy poses.

It’s easy to feel like you’re failing if your yoga practice doesn’t look like that. 

But here’s the thing: yoga isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.

And a good, sustainable practice is about so much more than how far you can stretch your hamstrings.

If you’ve been scared to try yoga because you feel stiff, or worry that your lack of flexibility means you won’t “fit in” in a class.

Please know you do have a place on the mat.

 Yoga is for every BODY stiff, tight, larger, older, fit, unfit and anything in between.

Many beginners find that starting where they are, with gentle guidance and awareness, is the fastest path to re - discovering mobility, strength, and confidence.

Your stiffness isn’t a limitation—it’s an invitation to explore movement mindfully.

We need to maintain mobility, stability, coordination, and spatial awareness to live our lives with confidence and vitality.

Flexibility in one dimension doesn’t guarantee a healthy, functional body.

If you can touch your toes for example, but your shoulders are tight or your spine is stiff in certain places  or your hips aren’t mobile, you will be placing your joints, ligaments, and connective tissues under unnecessary strain. Over time, this can lead to problems: knee pain, shoulder injuries, neck pain, lower back issues… the list goes on.

So, when we come to the mat, it’s not about contorting ourself into a shape that looks impressive. It’s about learning to move intelligently and safely, with awareness of our own body and respect for our limits.

Yoga is an opportunity to notice, to listen—to ourself and to others.

To develop awareness of moving with ease, to explore alignment as a dynamic state, and to notice how we inhabit our body.

Honouring the innate intelligence and wisdom of our body.

Working with it, not against it.

And here’s a thought: the flexibility we truly need is not just physical. It’s mental, emotional, and spiritual.

It’s the ability to adapt when life throws out curveballs.

It’s the resilience to meet challenges with curiosity rather than rigidity.

Just like the body, our minds benefit from a practice that emphasizes adaptation, balance, and responsiveness rather than extremes.

So how do we practice yoga intelligently?

1. Prioritize your self-care over spectacle. Avoid pushing yourself to extremes just to achieve a pose that doesn’t serve your body. Hanging off your ligaments or forcing a twist might give a temporary feeling of flexibility, but it can weaken soft tissues and lead to injury over time.

2. Focus on functional movement. Mobility, stability, and coordination are the real stars. Strengthen your joints, support your spine, and cultivate a balanced range of motion that serves everyday life—not just your Instagram feed.

3. Find the right teacher or class. Look for someone who understands anatomy, kinesiology, and a person-centred approach to yoga. A skilled teacher will guide you to explore moving safely, honouring your unique structure and abilities.

4. Develop mindfulness. Yoga is an invitation to cultivate awareness—of breath, body, and mind. By noticing how your body moves, how your breath flows, and how you respond to challenge, you’ll naturally build intelligence in your practice.

5. Respect difference. No two bodies are the same. What feels good and safe for your neighbour may not be the right fit for you. Part of intelligent practice is tuning in, experimenting, and understanding that variation is not only okay—it’s necessary.

In the end, yoga is about long-term sustainability, not short-term spectacle.

It’s about building and nourishing body and mind to move through life resiliently, and safely.

Extreme flexibility might look impressive, but functional mobility paired with awareness and care is what truly supports health and longevity.

So next time you step onto your mat, leave comparison at the door.

Move with respect. Listen to your body, nurture it, and celebrate what it can do today. Your stiffness is not a barrier—it’s the perfect starting point. That’s where the magic is. That’s where yoga, in its truest sense, lives.

Don’t let the belief that not being bendy means yoga isn’t for you.

There’s a world of discovery that is waiting for you. 

Because yoga isn’t about being bendy.

It’s about being wise.

Join me for Mindful Yoga — gentle, intelligent movement for every body. Get in touch to book your first class or ask a question.