How flexible do I have to be to do yoga?

Answer 1

There is no rule. Anyone can do it!

Answer 2

Yoga is more that a physical practice. Yes, stretching may be part of asanas (poses) but these movements may lead you to more of an awareness of the subtle body (spirit, emotions). Yogic actions involve breath work, movement, chanting mantras, mudras, moving energy, and becoming more in tune with the body, mind, and spirit. Yogic meditation practices can slow our bodies to provide opportunities to heal and become less stressed; practice our resilience muscle; and experience a fuller perspective on the meaning of life.

Answer 3

A lot of people new to yoga are concerned about this. As the famous yogi Sri Krishnamacharya said, if you can breathe, you can do yoga! In Viniyoga, we link relaxed breathing with our movements, and we move dynamically in and out of postures to encourage the development of flexibility without force. When you practice this way regularly, flexibility develops quickly.

But what if you can't do those movements in the first place? There are many reasons why this might be so. If you are able to breathe consciously, you can certainly practice yoga, regardless of physical capability. In Viniyoga, there are endless variations of postures which we can draw from to create a personalized practice. When we link any movement with conscious breathing, the mind does the linking. This keeps us in the present, and is often profoundly soothing. When we keep our attention directed towards practicing like this, this is yoga. So it's very true--if you can breathe, you can do yoga.