Do I Need to Be Flexible for Hot Yoga?

This is one of the most common and persistent myths in the world of yoga, and the answer is an emphatic no. You do not need to be flexible to start hot yoga. In fact, feeling that you are 'not flexible' is one of the best reasons to begin a practice. A famous yoga saying puts it perfectly: 'Saying you are not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you are too dirty to take a bath.' Yoga is not about being able to touch your toes or twist yourself into a pretzel. It is the practice of exploring your body's current range of motion with mindful awareness. The purpose of yoga is to improve your flexibility, not to require it as a prerequisite. Everyone starts somewhere, and a good yoga class will have people of all ages, body types, and ability levels. Hot yoga, in particular, can be an excellent starting point for those who feel stiff. The heated environment warms your muscles, making them more pliable and allowing you to explore stretches more safely and with less discomfort than you might in a non-heated class. The focus should be on the journey of improving your flexibility over time, not on achieving a specific outcome in your first class.