Deborah Perkins, yoga instructor

Q. Do you have to be flexible to do yoga?

No. Being able to bend like a pretzel is not a prerequisite. You can start wherever you are and go from there.

Q. I’m old/ busy/ tired/ stiff/ uncoordinated/ pregnant/ etc. Can I still do yoga?

Yes! Absolutely! Yoga is about focusing on what you CAN do right now. An experienced, qualified teacher can help you modify and customize the poses depending on your situation.

Q. I like a challenging workout. Isn’t yoga kind of “soft” and easy?

That depends on the style of yoga you choose. Some types of yoga (usually called “gentle” or “restorative”) are physically easier and slower moving. Other styles - some are slow and some move quickly - are physically challenging, even for those in great shape.

Yoga builds strength and flexibility simultaneously. Many people who are “in shape” have one but not the other and will find themselves challenged. And yoga has no end so even the strongest, most flexible people can find a point where they are working hard.

Have a question? Send it to perkinsdesign@hotmail.com