Increasing Flexibility through Yoga

When you hear the word “yoga,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Stretching! Right on.

Probably, the number one reason people take yoga classes is to stretch.

Well, while this is true, I’d like to take it a step further. Let’s explore stretching, bending, and flexibility further. And maybe even think about how these yoga topics relate to our real life.

Stretching for Flexibility

Our yoga classes are currently going through a program called, “Connecting Yoga with Real Life.” Each week, we’re looking at some aspect of yoga that brings people to class.

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, or considered taking one, why do/would you?

To be more flexible? To work on balance? To strengthen your core?

These are all reasons why people practice yoga. And, typically, the number one reason people come is they want to stay flexible or be more flexible. They are looking for a good stretch!

Yoga Poses to Increase Flexibility

During yoga class, we move the body in various ways. We hold certain poses, also known as asanas. The goal of putting the physical body into certain postures is to stretch the muscles.

Well, there are so many muscle groups in the body so there are tons of ways we can contort and move and get into stretching positions.

We could sit down with our legs out in front of us and hinge forward. This could provide a good stretch down the back of the legs. We might stand with our hands clasped overhead and lean to the side, stretching down our side body. Yoga students even use straps, lassoing them around the bottom of the foot, and moving the leg side to side, which offers stretches through the waist, hips, low back, and legs.

If you’ve taken a yoga class or are thinking about going to one, it’s important to be aware of how you feel. Notice which postures give you a good stretch. Even if you don’t remember the names, try to pay attention to how you feel. And if you found something particularly useful, you might even try it on your own at home.

Why Be Flexible?

What’s the deal with flexibility anyway? Why do you want to stay flexible? Trust me, not all of us want to contort ourselves into pretzel-like shapes. So, what’s the point?

Well, think about your day-to-day life. When, throughout the course of your day, would it be important to have some kind of flexibility?

How about tying your shoes? (If any of us still have shoelaces these days, LOL) But in all seriousness- if you have to tie your shoes quickly, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to bend down and adjust them? Instead of having to find a seat and feeling all awkward about getting down?

Speaking of getting down… what about getting up and down off the floor? As we age, this becomes more and more difficult. So, we need to stay limber in order to get up and down, reach for things out of reach, and bend in different ways to get into tight spaces.

Flexibility Beyond the Physical

Being flexible isn’t just about physical flexibility. It’s also important to our emotional and mental health. Staying flexible can help us cope with changes. Flexibility can allow us to avoid rigid responses or automatic behaviors.

Here’s an example from my own experience…

As a yoga teacher, I rent certain spaces to teach classes. Currently, I hold my programs in church halls. Well, sometimes, when I walk into the building, it looks like a bomb went off.

Tables are set up throughout the room. Chairs are everywhere. There are food items, cleaning supplies, and all sorts of (sorry) CRAP in every direction.

When I walk into this, my knee jerk reaction is “REALLY?!?!??” I feel my jaw tightening, my fists clench a bit, and my mind races on thoughts related to “how could they do this to me?” Well, give me a break. That’s SO egotistical.

They didn’t do this to me. This is just how the room looks right now. And I need to take a deep breath, move some things around, and hold class just as I normally would. I need to remember that I’m lucky enough to have a place to hold my yoga class.

See the Shift?

So, while staying flexible is good for us physically, it can be a game changer in other aspects.

See how much calmer I feel now that I’m not cursing the imaginary people who ruined the yoga space? Notice how I am able to move forward with what I have to do to prepare for class? Feel how much lighter that feels?

I’m sure you can come up with an example from your own experience. Whether it’s at work, with family, or even out on the road. Driving can certainly be a place where we need to breathe, stay calm, and be flexible!

Stretch and Be Flexible

Taking yoga helps us stretch. When we stretch, we stay limber. We’re more able to move without restrictions, thus enjoying a greater quality of life. When you’re flexible, you can improve your physical health, reduce pain, and avoid some risks of injury.

It’s important to stay active. In fact, one of the great yogi philosophers once said, “We’re as youthful as the spine is flexible.” So, if all else fails, at least being flexible is a way to stay young!

What do you think? Do you see any benefits in being flexible? What yoga poses help you get a good stretch? How does this yoga benefit translate to your real life?

And, of course, we’d love to see you in a future class! Check out our yoga schedule and sign up for a future program.

About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, RYT (200) is a holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.

Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach, nature lover, and avid meditator.

Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pups. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, baking, music, and hiking.