Can I start yoga at 60 with no flexibility? Is it too late?
-
Hi everyone, I could really use some guidance.
I’m 60 years old and have very limited flexibility. My doctors have suggested yoga to help improve my range of motion, but I honestly feel a bit confused and nervous about where to start. I worry that because I’m not flexible, I might do something wrong or hurt myself.
Is it too late to start yoga at this age? Has anyone started yoga later in life with little to no flexibility and found it helpful?
-
I was 67. It improved my mobility, flexibility, and stability greatly. It even helped my feet. There is yoga for all ages and levels and I highly recommend it!
-
Hi everyone, I could really use some guidance.
I’m 60 years old and have very limited flexibility. My doctors have suggested yoga to help improve my range of motion, but I honestly feel a bit confused and nervous about where to start. I worry that because I’m not flexible, I might do something wrong or hurt myself.
Is it too late to start yoga at this age? Has anyone started yoga later in life with little to no flexibility and found it helpful?
Liza Cooper
Age is just a number—you can begin yoga at any stage of life, whether you’re flexible or not. Yoga isn’t about achieving extreme poses or being naturally flexible; it’s about relaxing the muscles, joints, and body, and most importantly, calming the mind. Your experience depends greatly on how the teacher guides you through the journey, helping you gradually build strength, mobility, and ease in movement. -
Hii Liza,
Please be assured — 60 is a beautiful age to start yoga. It is absolutely not too late. Yoga is not about being flexible first; flexibility is something that develops with practice. That’s why it is said Yoga is for Everyone.I understand that fear and nervousness that comes so I’d love to share some beautiful experiences:
I currently teach students aged 61, 64, and even 76, and they’ve been practicing with me for the past one year. They all started with limited flexibility, joint pain and discomfort and some fear of course, but today they enjoy better balance, strength, mobility, and confidence in daily life.With proper guidance, yoga is done gently, safely, and with modifications, so there’s no need to worry about hurting yourself. At this stage of life, yoga becomes especially valuable for balance, joint health, and overall well-being.
If you’re starting yoga at 60, you’re not late — you’re right on time.
-
I began my yoga journey nearly 7 years ago, when I had just turned 70. It has been soooo influential in my life for physical improvement, healing through 5 knee surgeries, and emotional, spiritual and mental balance. The camaraderie within MYT has also been a blessing during these dis-connected times in the world. You are beginning a beautiful and rewarding journey. Congratulations, and be delighted!
-
Liza Cooper
Age is just a number—you can begin yoga at any stage of life, whether you’re flexible or not. Yoga isn’t about achieving extreme poses or being naturally flexible; it’s about relaxing the muscles, joints, and body, and most importantly, calming the mind. Your experience depends greatly on how the teacher guides you through the journey, helping you gradually build strength, mobility, and ease in movement.Kanupriya: I agree with all that you said, except “age is just a number.” Clearly, you are still young! I was always active, vibrant, positive, and hopeful until age descended upon me, (in my 60’s) and my body rebelled against many previous activities. Now, at nearly 77, I have many aches and pains that have come from aging, and I don’t have the positivity I had in my youth. It takes work, focus and mindfulness to reach contentment these days. Thankfully, I have yoga to carry me through that process, while I continue to navigate unexpected aches and pains.
