Student Op Ed - How did you learn yoga is for you?

“I am not flexible enough” 

As a studio, we work every day to help spread the awareness that yoga is for everybody. We know that stepping into anything new can be intimidating, and so we asked a few of our students how they overcame the challenge of believing that yoga might not be for them. Here’s what they said:

Before even attempting a single Downward-Facing Dog, I dismissed yoga based on ‘I'm Not Flexible Enough.’ The immediate mental image is someone twisting into a pretzel. I'd assume that if I couldn't touch my toes, I'd fail instantly. The reality that yoga is about improving flexibility, not already having it, was completely missed. 

Once I started practicing at Citizen, the belief that yoga was not for me changed when I noticed small but consistent improvements—maybe holding a pose a little longer, feeling more flexible in everyday life, or experiencing less general stiffness. These small wins proved my body was adapting. I realized that the benefits were accessible and repeatable, turning the initial effort into a sustainable, rewarding practice.

A specific instance at Citizen that was a pivotal moment in changing my perspective around my personal practice is The "Perfect" Pose Illusion: Realizing that a posture isn't about achieving a final, aesthetically "perfect" shape, but about feeling the stretch, balance, or sensation in your unique body right now. This shifts the focus from external performance to internal experience, freeing you from comparison and self-judgment.

Something I would say to a student that doesn't think yoga is "for them" is that it is not about flexibility, it's about self-observation. The myth is you have to be super flexible. The truth is you don't. If you can breathe, you can do yoga. The point isn't to touch your toes; it's to notice what you feel in the process. It's about building an internal awareness that can help you when you're stressed studying or trying to focus.

-Joe P.

Honestly, my life has changed because of Citizen! The focus on alignment is unique to this studio. I have practiced at many other places, but classes have helped me learn about places where my body is stuck and ways to unlock these limitations. One pivotal moment was in a private yoga session with Kacee. It may sound over the top, but it was life-changing! I have been able to take what I learned in private sessions and apply it to both my regular practice and movement in my daily life. I always feel like part of the community and I'm looking forward to attending my first retreat next month. This is obvious: Yoga is for everyone!

- Pam A.

Before coming to Citizen, I believed that yoga wasn’t for me. It seemed like an impossible maze of arms and legs I’d never navigate, and I thought you had to have athletic abilities to even attempt it. 

Over time and quite beautifully, with the patient encouragement of really great and caring instructors, even through the discomfort, I learned I am capable of this practice! Plus my body loves it! My balance, flexibility, and body tone have improved so much, I have more energy, and sleep so much better. 

A pivotal moment that changed my personal practice was achieving that full presence in my breathing and not being so focused on getting the pose right; that was magical. After asking a teacher when I would feel like I was getting better she let me know each of our “goal lines” is always edging outward; our practice is always growing, so the line will keep growing. It helped me worry less about the end product and stay in the moment.

To a student that doesn’t believe yoga is for them, I say please give it a try. There are so many benefits I have found in my yoga practice. I thought I just wanted a good stretch and some exercise, but I have also gained confidence and resilience, and have this wonderful gift of self care I give to myself every time I practice in a really safe and welcoming community at Citizen.

- Debbie S.

Today’s prompt:

Bring a guest to one of our special “on the floor” classes today. These classes will be primarily grounded to relieve the pressure of intimidation, and the first class is free for any new student. 

• Citizen Yoga Bloomfield: 8:30p Basics + Breath with Alyssa Riddle

• Citizen Yoga Detroit: 5:30p Slow Burn with Soojin Kim

• Citizen Yoga Royal Oak: 5:45p Slow Burn with Alyssa Riddle