Yoga for Inflexible People

Yoga increases muscular strength, reduces tension and stress, has a low potential for injury, is non-competitive, has spiritual and psychological benefits, and a 5000 year track record. Yoga postures, or asanas, range from simple bending and twisting to pretzel-like contortions reserved for the most advanced practitioners.

Yoga instructors suggest that it be studied with an experienced teacher rather than learnt from a manual. Besides, Yoga teachers in general are unlicensed and unregulated. Better, find an experienced teacher affiliated with a reputable Yoga institution. Use books only to supplement your training.

Steps for Yoga for inflexible people

Warm Up First

Muscle stretching shouldn't be your starting warm-up. Warm up exercises first with a few minutes of Surya Namaskar, then do stretching asanas like Vrikshasana, Ardha Chandrasana, Uttanasana, Yoga crunches or leg raises (single and double), Janu Sirshasana, Paschimottanasana, Sethu Bandhasana, Marichyasana and Ardha Matsyendrasana.

You should always these do stretching exercises and poses at the end of your Yoga session. Stretching cold muscles could cause injuries, so make it a point to do lots of Surya Namaskar.

No Fat Burning Zone

Although you tend to burn a high percentage of fat calories at slow and moderate intensities, you burn more total calories, and more total fat calories, when you exercise or practise Yoga at higher intensities. This is particularly true for those practising Power Yoga or Bikram Yoga. You may choose to work out longer or slower for a variety of reasons. But never slow down just because you think it is necessary to be in the "fat burning zone."

Through steady, intelligent practice, inflexible students will gain suppleness just as flexible students will gain more strength. Yoga is always taught as balanced action regarding strength and flexibility. However, it must be practised gradually for safety.