Being Flexible Doesn’t Make You a Better Person
A dance teacher once said those words to me, and I was shocked.
As a dancer, being flexible meant everything…it made you stand out. You got cast more often. You wowed the audience. I spent my life trying to become more flexible, believing that it would make me better. Stronger. Worthier.
But when I transitioned into teaching yoga, I quickly learned that flexibility doesn’t equate to strength or wisdom. In fact, the more flexible you are, the more effort you need to put into pulling back and finding stability. Because what you gain in flexibility, you often lose in structural support. And flexibility without stability? That’s a recipe for injury.
As a yoga teacher, I’d honestly rather work with a stiff student than a super bendy ex-dancer like I once was. Stiff students often have a natural foundation of stability…and that’s something you can build on. Flexibility can be developed over time with smart, consistent practice. But many bendy students (my past self included) struggle with low back issues, over worked hip flexors and hamstrings, and tons of hyperextended knees and elbows. And the irony? The very thing we were praised for in dance class often holds us back on the mat and results in more injury.
I remember going to yoga classes and effortlessly moving from one dramatic shape to another, thinking I was doing everything “right.” It wasn’t until I took my first 200-hour teacher training at YogaWorks that I realized I’d been doing it all wrong…for nearly a decade! I was overusing my joints, bypassing strength, and chasing the look of the pose rather than the feeling.
Now I know: the heart of yoga isn’t about how far you can bend…it’s about how deeply you can listen.
It’s not about looking impressive; it’s about moving with integrity.
And being flexible? It might help you touch your toes. But it won’t make you a better person.
I look forward to seeing you on the mat, especially all you stiff folks out there that can’t touch your toes! Remember, it’s never too late to start something new, your body will thank you for you it.
“Breathe life. Seek truth. Love more.”
If you’re ready to begin your yoga journey, explore the studio below: