A phrase commonly overheard in yoga studios all too frequently is, “I’m not flexible enough”. Well the good news is that ultimate flexibility is not required to enjoy yoga, though it will certainly improve with time.
Flexibility — what is it really?
Flexibility in yoga is the ability to move muscles and joints through their full, unrestricted range of motion, enhanced by holding poses that gently stretch and lengthen tissues. It combines physical suppleness with mental awareness, reducing stiffness and improving joint health through regular practice, often strengthening muscles simultaneously.
What impacts flexibility?
Daily life significantly impacts flexibility through sedentary habits, prolonged sitting, poor posture, stress, inactivity and aging, causing muscles to tighten and shorten.
Flexibility is altered and improved by practicing the following:
- Consistent Practice –3-5 times a week
- Patience – no forcing stretches
- Breath — inhale lengthen, exhale deepen or hold
Our COR Yin class is a great way to help increase your overall flexibility. Yin Yoga focuses on holding poses for longer periods, targeting deep connective tissues.
You can also enroll in our COR Strength and Flexibility class. This yoga class blends dynamic poses that boost muscle strength with deep stretches to expand your range of motion. The balanced approach improves mobility and stability, lowers the chance of injury, and supports functional movement by syncing your breath with each movement. It helps build both physical resilience and mental focus.
We also encourage you to stretch at home. Roll out your mat and get comfortable on your floor. Regular stretching increases flexibility, joint range of motion, and reduces muscle stiffness, aiding overall mobility and injury prevention.
See you in class soon at COR Yoga+.
— Kim
