Should Yoga Be Easy? …No!
When people hear the word yoga, it often conjures up images of serene stretches, gentle breathing and calm relaxation. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard someone say, “Oh, I thought yoga was just stretching and breathing,” or even dismissively, “No, I don’t do yoga – it’s too easy.” On the flip side, I’ve also encountered countless individuals who shy away from yoga with the claim, “I can’t do yoga; I’m not flexible enough.”
These comments highlight a fundamental misunderstanding about what yoga is – and isn’t. Yoga is many things, but “easy” isn’t one of them.
Yoga: More Than Stretching and Breathing
Yes, yoga involves stretching and breathing, but it goes so much deeper than that. It’s a discipline that challenges both your body and your mind. Those serene-looking postures (asanas) you see on Instagram? They often require strength, balance, and patience to master. Controlled breathing (pranayama) isn’t just about inhaling and exhaling; it’s a tool to calm the mind and centre the body – a skill that takes time to refine.
Calling yoga “just stretching and breathing” is like calling a marathon “just running.” There’s an incredible depth to the practice that reveals itself the more you commit to it.
Is Yoga Too Easy?
To those who believe yoga is too easy, I invite you to try holding a plank for 60 seconds, balancing on one leg in tree pose, or flowing through a dynamic vinyasa sequence without breaking a sweat. Yoga isn’t about whether it’s “easy” or “hard” – it’s about finding your edge, the point where you feel challenged but not overwhelmed, and gradually expanding it.
Even the gentlest yoga class isn’t necessarily easy. Slowing down and holding a pose requires a level of mindfulness that many of us aren’t used to. It’s not always about pushing harder; sometimes, the challenge is learning to listen to your body and rest when needed.
The Flexibility Myth
Then there’s the opposite misconception: “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible enough.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga isn’t about touching your toes or bending into a pretzel shape. Flexibility is a by-product of consistent practice, not a prerequisite.
If anything, yoga meets you where you are. It doesn’t demand perfection or performance – it simply asks that you show up. Whether you can reach your shins or the floor in a forward fold is irrelevant; what matters is that you’re there, on your mat, making an effort to grow.
Embrace the Challenge
The beauty of yoga lies in its ability to evolve with you. When you first start, even a simple downward dog might feel awkward or uncomfortable. But over time, as you build strength, flexibility, and confidence, you’ll notice those same poses start to feel more accessible. The practice grows as you grow.
So no, yoga isn’t – and shouldn’t be – easy. It’s a journey of exploration, resilience, and self-discovery. It challenges your body and quietens your mind, inviting you to find strength in vulnerability and peace in the struggle.
If you’ve ever thought yoga wasn’t for you because it seemed too easy or you didn’t feel “good enough,” I encourage you to rethink that. Yoga isn’t about being good at something; it’s about showing up, doing the work, and embracing the journey.
And that journey? It’s anything but easy – but it’s worth every step.