"I can't do yoga... I'm not bendy enough" (ahem)

Think you can't do yoga? Wrong - we can ALL do it!

It's probably the most common thing people say to me when they find out I teach yoga.

"Oh, I can't do yoga... I'm not bendy enough."

Every single time, I smile.

Because here's the truth: you DON'T need to be flexible to do yoga. In fact, stalling from coming to yoga 'because you're not mobile enough', and where you will become more mobile and more comfortable in your body, is a bit like saying, "I can't have a shower because I'm too dirty."

Busting the myth

Somewhere along the way, yoga became associated with impossible-looking poses, legs behind heads, handstands on fingertips and Instagram-worthy backbends. While those postures certainly exist, they represent only a tiny fraction of what yoga really is.

Yoga isn't about performing tricks with your body.

• It's about connecting your breath with movement.

• It's about slowing down enough to notice how you're feeling.

• It's about appreciating what your body can do today, rather than mourning what it can't.

For many of us, our minds buzz constantly with the white noise of everyday life: shopping lists, work deadlines, family responsibilities, worries about tomorrow and replaying yesterday. The thoughts circle endlessly, like a swarm of slightly drunk wasps that refuse to leave us alone.

Yoga gives us a break from all of that.

As we move gently from one posture to another, guided by the steady rhythm of our breathing, something remarkable happens. The noise quietens. Our attention settles on one simple thing: the next breath. For an hour, nothing else really matters.

When we practise yoga this way, it's not unusual for people to experience something much deeper than a good stretch. Students often describe a sense of joy, release or lightness—as though they've quietly put down a heavy backpack they've been carrying for years. Sometimes emotions surface that have been tucked away for months, even years.

And that's perfectly okay. Because yoga isn't just about moving the body. It's about creating space.

Watching the transformation

What I love most about my job as a yoga instructor is watching people begin to see themselves differently. Week after week, they stand a little taller, breathe a little deeper and discover a growing appreciation for their own amazing bodies. Not because they've suddenly become more flexible - but because they've stopped comparing themselves with everyone else.

Yoga is your practice. It changes every day because you change every day. Some days you'll feel strong. Some days you'll feel tired. Some days your balance will surprise you, and other days simply turning up will be the biggest achievement.

Every single one of those days counts.

Everyone has a starting point

One of my greatest joys is welcoming complete beginners into class - especially those in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond who have decided it's finally time to do something for themselves. I always applaud their curiosity and their courage. Starting something new takes confidence at any age, and watching my students' journeys unfold over the weeks is a privilege. Without exception, they all begin to move with greater ease, stand with more confidence, and often discover that they're capable of far more than they ever imagined!

And by the way - older yogis frequently progress more quickly than younger ones. It's a fact! For the following reasons: they tend to listen carefully, they appreciate the small steps towards a bigger goal, and they generally move more mindfully and celebrate every little improvement rather than chasing perfection. Older yoga students generally also experience some of the biggest rewards: better balance, increased mobility, improved sleep, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of confidence in their bodies.

So, here is my message to you. Whatever age you are, whatever your physical background and history, if you've ever thought, "I can't do yoga because I'm not bendy enough," I'd love you to let go of that myth.

You don't come to yoga because you're flexible.

You come to yoga because you're human.

And exactly as you are today is the perfect place to begin.