“I Should Probably Start Yoga, I’m Not Flexible Enough.”
Is anyone a Seinfeld fan? I feel like I need to start this BLOG saying “Not that there is anything wrong with that!!” …so if you love yoga, I love that you love yoga! I am sure the Mandelbaum’s do yoga! Moving on….
“I should probably start yoga, I’m not that flexible” is something I hear from people all the time from athletes, weekend warriors, and everyday clients alike. And while it sounds like a reasonable solution, should you really start?
Yes, yoga can improve flexibility. But it’s not the only way, and it’s not always the best choice depending on your body, goals, and movement needs.
I Hear This All the Time
Whether it’s a high school athlete trying to stay healthy, a busy parent dealing with tight hips, or someone just getting back into fitness — they’ll often say:
“I think I need to start yoga to get more flexible.”
And while I get where that comes from, the idea that yoga is the only path to flexibility is outdated. In some cases, it can even be the wrong tool.
For example, some people, especially those who are naturally bendy or have joint instabilitymight actually do too much passive stretching in yoga. Without strength or control in those ranges, it can lead to joint pain, reduced performance, or even injury.
So before you sign up for a 90-minute hot yoga class to “fix” your tight hamstrings, let’s talk about what flexibility really means.
Flexibility vs. Mobility: What You Actually Need
Flexibility is your ability to stretch.
Mobility is your ability to move with strength and control through a full range of motion.
You don’t just want to be able to touch your toes, you want to be able to squat down, stand up, twist, reach, and move freely in daily life (or in sport) without pain or restriction. That’s mobility, and it requires more than just stretching.
Lifting Weights Can Actually Make You More Mobile
Let’s bust another myth while we’re here: lifting doesn’t make you stiff.
In fact, resistance training done through a full range of motion is one of the most effective ways to improve both mobility and flexibility, especially for people who sit a lot, feel “tight,” or want to age well.
Here’s why strength training helps:
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Full-range movements like deep squats or controlled lunges stretch and strengthen at the same time.
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Eccentric loading (lowering slowly under control) lengthens muscles while building stability.
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Loaded mobility drills help your body learn to move better under real-life conditions — not just on a yoga mat.
A 2020 study review even found that strength training can improve flexibility just as well as static stretching — with the added bonus of building strength and muscle mass.
Should You Skip Yoga?
Not at all, if you enjoy yoga, it’s a great way to move, breathe, and build awareness. For some people, it’s exactly what they need.
But if you feel like you “have” to do yoga just because you’re tight, or because you’re not flexible enough to do other workouts, know this:
There are other options, and many of them may be more effective for you. So, I love yoga and I think a lot of people can benefit from it, so please do not headbutt me with your man-bun or douse me in patchouli, I’m on your team!
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to become a yogi to move better.
Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or just someone who wants to feel less stiff and more capable, you can improve your flexibility through strength training, mobility work, and smart movement , no yoga required.
So the next time you catch yourself thinking,
“I should probably start yoga — I’m not flexible enough,” pause and ask: “What do I actually want to be able to do with my body, and what’s the best way to train for that?”
Chances are, strength and control will get you there faster than just stretching.
Check out this old blog post for a mobility plan for the immobile: BLOG