“I’m Not Flexible…” | 5 Myths About Yoga as a Beginner
Think yoga isn’t for you? Let’s bust the myths holding you back.
Yoga is as much a mental practice as it is a physical one.
We are all shaped by our perspectives. Our expectations come from past experiences, the world around us, and the media we watch. Yoga holds a rich history and has evolved in so many ways, so it’s no wonder there are conceptions out there that may be shaping your idea of what it’s all about.
Maybe you’re curious about starting your yoga practice, or maybe you just need the chance to reconnect with what brought you to your mat in the first place. Either way, let’s explore these myths together, and you’ll see that showing up just as you are is already more than enough.
Myth 1: "I'm Not Flexible."
When I first started yoga, I couldn’t even touch my toes. I’d get halfway down my legs, wince, and assume I just wasn’t built for it. It seemed like yoga was all about wrapping yourself into a pretzel or effortlessly sliding into full splits, all which felt completely out of reach.
Not long ago, I was talking with a friend about my yoga transformation, and she said, “I’d love to try yoga, but I’m just not flexible.” And I get it. This is so common. We all have this image of what yoga is “supposed” to look like, probably trendy fitness influencers or ancient gurus.
But here’s the truth: yoga is not one-size-fits-all, and it’s definitely not reserved for one body type or skill level.
Flexibility isn’t a requirement to start yoga, it’s something that develops with your practice. And even then, not every body moves the same way. Some people are naturally more flexible than others. That doesn’t make their practice better or more “yogi-like.” Even seasoned yogis don’t have access to every pose, and that’s okay.
Yoga isn’t about achieving perfect, photogenic poses. It’s about breath. It’s about presence. It’s about meeting your body exactly where it is, honoring it fully, and letting the practice support you through every phase of your life – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Your yoga journey might look totally different from mine, and that’s the beauty of it. There’s no wrong way to start. Yoga will meet you exactly where you are, whether you can’t yet touch your toes or you can put them over your head. So if you’ve been telling yourself, “I’m not flexible enough,” I’m here to lovingly call that what it is: a myth.
Just start. Breathe. Move. And trust that your body is already enough.
Myth 2: Yoga is Easy.
This one comes up a lot, especially from people who’ve never actually practiced. From the outside, yoga can look like light stretching or lying on a mat saying “Om,” and it’s often brushed off as too easy to be considered a “real workout.” Many people see yoga as just what you do to cool down after the real exercise is over.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yoga isn’t just one thing. There are so many different styles, from slow, restful practices like Yin, to intense, sweaty flows like power yoga. When I first started, I jumped into a hot power practice, 75 minutes in a room heated over 100 degrees. It was one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done. Every muscle, joint, and ligament is working. Your breath becomes your anchor. Your body is pushed and challenged in ways you don’t expect.
So no, yoga isn’t always “easy.” And it’s definitely not just stretching.
The power of yoga is that it’s customizable. You can choose the intensity. You can have days where your practice is gentle, calming, and deeply restorative. And you can have days where you’re sweating buckets, building serious strength, and pushing your limits. Both are valid. Both are yoga.
And beyond the physical? Yoga is a mental workout too. You’re constantly being asked to come back to the present moment, to stay with the breath, to hold space for discomfort without running from it. That takes serious discipline. The mental side of yoga is just as challenging and just as transformative as the physical.
So the next time someone calls yoga “easy,” just smile. Because you know the truth. Yoga meets you where you are, challenges you in every way, and builds a kind of strength that goes far beyond the mat.
Myth 3: Yoga is Super Serious.
Yoga has deep roots. It’s ancient, sacred, rich with tradition and meaning, and that can feel intimidating when you’re new to the practice. You might think you have to be quiet, serious, even spiritual in a specific way to fit in. Like you need to adopt a new personality just to step on the mat.
But this misses the real heart of yoga: it isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more of yourself.
Yes, there’s great reverence in the history of yoga. But at its core, yoga is about connection to your body, your breath, your life. It’s about feeling more alive, more present, more joyful. And for a lot of us, that includes laughing, falling out of poses, dancing, singing along to the playlist, or celebrating a moment of stillness. That’s all yoga, too.
In my own practice, music plays a huge role. I like to keep it playful. I’ve found that yoga is the perfect space to explore the fun, light, expressive side of movement. Trying something new. Wobbling. Laughing. Starting over. That’s yoga. You don’t have to turn off your personality to belong in the room.
And you absolutely don’t have to follow a certain religion or memorize ancient texts to have a powerful practice. If yoga makes you feel connected to your breath, your body, your spirit, your people, then you’re doing it right.
Yoga is not about punishment, performance, or perfection. It’s about presence. And that includes joy. That includes play. That includes showing up exactly as you are, and letting your practice be a celebration of everything that makes you feel most alive.
Myth 4: "I Just Don't Have Time..."
This one hits home for a lot of people, especially beginners. When life feels full and nonstop, it’s easy to think yoga requires an hour-long class, a studio drive, or a whole new schedule. But there’s good news: yoga is so much more flexible than that.
You don’t need hours a week or the perfect setting. Yoga is available to you anytime, anywhere, exactly how you need it. Because yoga isn’t defined by one routine or outcome. It’s something you can adapt to fit your life, not the other way around.
Maybe it’s a 10-minute stretch to start a big day. Maybe it’s five minutes of breathwork while sitting at your desk. That’s yoga. Maybe it’s rolling out your mat for a 30-minute flow after the kids fall asleep, or starting your morning with a simple meditation before checking your phone. That’s yoga, too.
On the other end of the spectrum, it could be a week-long retreat or an hour-long hot power class, and everything in between. There’s no one “right” way to do it.
The key is realizing that consistency (not perfection) is where the magic happens. Even a few minutes a day can bring you back to your breath, your body, your peace. And when life gets chaotic (which it does), that’s often when we need yoga the most.
One of the core values behind 3F Yoga is making space for wellness in the middle of real life, not waiting until everything is calm or convenient. Because those moments might not come. And going months without movement or mindfulness can make getting started again feel even harder.
So let go of the idea that you have to “do it all” to call yourself a yogi. If all you can manage right now is a five-minute stretch or a breath practice between meetings, you’re still doing yoga. You’re still honoring yourself. You’re still showing up.
And I promise, it’s worth it.
Myth 5: Practice Makes Perfect.
This one’s for all my perfectionists out there. Trust me, I’m right there with you. We live in a world that teaches us that the goal is always perfection. That if we just do enough, we’ll finally reach that place where we no longer have to work for something. But in reality, yoga is the exact opposite. There’s no “perfect” yogi, and there’s no perfect yoga practice.
Yoga isn’t about checking boxes or earning a gold star. It’s about showing up imperfectly, exactly as you are, every time. The beauty of yoga is in its lifelong journey, where there’s always room for exploration, growth, and transformation. Your body, mind, and spirit are constantly changing, and yoga changes with you. What you could do a year ago may no longer be available to you today, and that’s okay. It’s not a sign that you’re failing; it’s a sign that you’re practicing yoga the way it’s meant to be.
When you embrace this fluidity, you start to find freedom. It’s not about “getting it right” or “being the best,” it’s about being fully present, appreciating where you are in that moment, and connecting with your body more deeply. Yoga is personal, and it will look different for everyone. The true essence of a yoga practice is that it’s always evolving.
And if you love the idea of going further, of learning and growing, you’ll never get bored with yoga. You can always explore something new, and that’s where the beauty lies — in the continuous discovery of yourself and your practice.
You don’t need to have it all figured out, and there’s no trophy for perfection. The practice itself is the reward. No matter how long you’ve been practicing, whether it’s a week, a year, or 75 years, you’re always in the midst of your journey. Yoga isn’t about perfection; it’s about alignment with yourself, accepting where you’re at, and deepening your connection to life.
So don't hold back.
Whatever has kept you from getting on the mat, decide today that nothing can hold you back from pursuing a deeper sense of connection with your body, breath, and joy. The yoga world is here with open arms to welcome you to this wonderful adventure, and to remind you that you are just as you need to be. The journey ahead is full of surprises, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
With love, Kinsey
What beliefs do you have about yoga? How have your perceptions changed throughout your practice? I would love to hear from you in the comments!
Coming Soon on the Blog:
- Behind-the-scenes of yoga teacher training
- Real-talk on mindset, healing, and wellness
- Playlists + feel-good flows
- Tips for building a personal practice
- Stories from the heart 💛
I love this blog and wish I would’ve embraced yoga as a younger person. I believed so many of these myths myself! To my surprise, Yoga has given me strength and connection in the most surprising and fulfilling ways! I am so excited about this community you are building!
I loved reading every single one of these myths Kinsey! I could relate to each of them in some way & have struggled with them all! Thank you for reminding me to show up as ME & never brush off even a few minutes of a practice. It all matters & it all adds up to the movement of our bodies! I’m excited to read more of your journey & fully expect to grow in my own along the way because of your courage. I’m so proud of you!!