Learning How To Be More Flexible

When we commit to a regular yoga practice our bodies become more flexible.  I first started yoga in 1999 and I could barely touch my knees in a forward fold.  My students never believe me when I tell them this.  It’s so true.  Little by little my hamstrings started opening up, i was amazed.  Often people say to me, I can’t come to yoga, I am not flexible enough.  If I had a quarter for every time someone said that to me, I would be a millionaire!  Well, learn from my experience, I had to start taking yoga classes first and then flexibility followed.

In the beginning, my hamstrings were absolutely the tightest muscles in my body.  As my hamstrings started opening up, I have to admit, I became greedy.  I began to push my hamstrings past their limits.  In yoga, this in known as a act of violence to your body, not acceptable.  Unfortunately, I actually created small tears in both of my hamstrings.

We live and learn.  Thank goodness, the body is amazing.  Our bodies are self healing mechanisms and very forgiving.  Over six months I had to lay off of my hamstrings and it was challenging for me.  I was used to practicing five days a week.

I am happy to report, over the years my hamstrings have completely healed.  Every so often, one reminds me to ease up.

If you are new to yoga, do not be alarmed, yoga has a way of showing you your strengths and weaknesses.  As my teacher says, “Your power lies behind your weak points.”  Therefore do not avoid the poses that make you uncomfortable and at times, downright mad.

Stick with your yoga practice, breathe deeply, and have patience with your body.  Your body will open up when it is ready.  There is no specific time frame, everyone is different.  We were all born with varied anatomy.  More importantly you are moving your energy on a deep cellular level.  I feel so proud of my students who feel they are as tight as the tin man yet stay committed to their practice.  They are thrilled and completely surprised with the changes that have occured in their bodies.

Here are three of my favorite hamstring movements that keep my hamstrings open AND safe.

Yoga Tip:

What really amazed me in my yoga process was when my mind began to open up along with my body.  Like a lot of people first the body becomes more open, then then the mind follows.  Over the past few years I have been delving deeper into my spirituality.  None of this happened automatically or all at once.  It takes desire and discipline.

Image Credit:  Alex Vasilescu