5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Doing Yoga

Starting yoga can feel overwhelming—images of super flexible people in acrobatic poses might make you question if you’re “ready.” But let me tell you, yoga isn’t about bending yourself into a pretzel. It’s about starting where you are and growing from there. If you’ve ever thought about starting yoga at home, these five things I wish I knew will help you feel confident and excited to begin.

1. You Don’t Need Flexibility to Start Yoga at Home

One of the biggest myths about yoga for beginners is that you need to be flexible to start. Spoiler alert: flexibility can be a result of your beginner yoga practice, not a requirement.

Yoga is an ancient practice that goes far beyond the physical poses we see on social media. While the movements help build flexibility, they also develop strength and mental resilience. Whether you’re hypermobile, unable to touch your toes, or somewhere in between, yoga meets you where you are.

Here’s what you should know:

• Flexibility is a bonus, not a prerequisite.
• Yoga adapts to your body, thanks to props and modifications.
• Over time, yoga will help you build strength, flexibility, and confidence.
• Your practice will evolve with you, meeting your needs at every stage of life.

So, if you’re worried you’re not flexible enough, keep reading—you’re already more ready than you think.

3. Yoga for Mind and Body: It’s More Than Poses

Yoga isn’t just about movement—it’s also about connecting with your breath and calming your mind. While the physical benefits are significant, the mental benefits can be equally transformative.

In fact, research shows that yoga can boost cognitive function. As Neha Gothe from the University of Illinois explains:

"It appears that following yoga practice, the participants were better able to focus their mental resources, process information quickly, more accurately and also learn, hold and update pieces of information more effectively than after performing an aerobic exercise bout."

The breathing and mindfulness aspects of yoga can help you stay present and reduce stress. Even on the busiest days, a short session can leave you feeling calmer, more focused, and ready to take on the day.

What yoga can do for your mind:

• Build mental resilience and focus.
• Help you stay present through breath and movement.
• Support mindfulness and reduce stress, even after a short practice.

As you begin, keep an open mind about the mental and emotional benefits of yoga. They might just surprise you.

5. Build Confidence with Yoga at Home

Starting yoga at home has its advantages—especially when it comes to building confidence. You control the pace, the atmosphere, and even the ability to hit pause and try again.

Here’s why yoga at home is a great choice for beginners:

• You can pause, rewind, and replay classes as needed.
• Create a comfortable atmosphere that suits your mood.
• Build confidence by exploring new poses or classes without pressure.

As you practice, you’ll develop an openness to learning and trying new things. Over time, yoga becomes more than just a physical activity—it’s a tool for personal growth and lifelong wellness.