Yes, You Can and Should Practice Yoga, Here’s How to Start
- May 25
- 5 min read
Written by Céline Kusters, Yoga Teacher
Céline Kusters is a certified yoga teacher and founder of Namunyak Yoga. Driven by the mission to show that yoga is for everybody and every body, she offers simple, accessible, and down-to-earth practices, on and off the mat, that help people cultivate balance, ease, and presence in everyday life.
When you think of yoga, you probably think of super flexible and fit people in fancy leggings doing crazy poses like handstands or twisting themselves into impossible shapes. Because of that, you may think yoga is not for you. But what if I told you yoga is actually so much more than that? What if I told you that you do not need to be flexible, fit, or able to touch your toes? What if I told you that you do not need to wear expensive matching sets or purchase an expensive studio membership?
Yoga is for everyone, and that includes you, too. In this article, I dive into what yoga truly is, why it benefits everyone, and how you can start in a way that feels realistic and accessible.
What is yoga?
In many Western countries, yoga is often seen mostly as a form of exercise. Although movement can absolutely be part of yoga, it is only one very small piece of a much bigger practice.
Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. The word yoga comes from “to yoke” or “to unite.” Traditionally, yoga is about creating a strong connection between your body and mind. Ultimately, it is also about creating a stronger connection with yourself and the world around you.
Creating that connection can be done by moving your body through physical poses, but it also involves your breath, meditation, how you treat yourself and others, and even things like keeping your house clean and not being materialistic.
Yoga is not about performing advanced poses. It is about paying attention, learning to slow down, listening to yourself, and being present. Yoga, therefore, is a way of life, and that is what makes it accessible for everyone.
Why practise?
I first started practising yoga after a series of injuries left me disconnected from my body. I no longer trusted it and felt frustrated by all the things it could no longer do. Yoga completely changed that.
At first, I noticed the physical changes. I became stronger, more flexible, and more confident in my body again. But the biggest change happened mentally. I noticed that what I practised on the mat was slowly coming into my life off the mat, too. Yoga taught me that rest is not something you need to earn. It taught me to accept my body, and later myself, as it was on any given day instead of constantly fighting against it. Over time, I realised I had become more patient, more present, and kinder to myself.
That is the real power of yoga. Sure, yoga builds physical strength, balance, and flexibility. But the real magic happens off your mat. When you take a few deep breaths before reacting, when you take breaks when you need to, when you handle stress more calmly, when you feel more present, when you show up with kindness, and when you learn to slow down in a world that constantly tells you to hurry.
Yoga is not about becoming a different person. It is about becoming more connected to yourself and the world around you.
Who is yoga for?
Yoga is for everyone. Yes, that includes you, too. It is not just for flexible people. Not just for people who already exercise. Not just for people who can stand on their heads. “Real” yoga is a lot more accessible than what we see online.
If you enjoy movement, yoga can look like stretching, balancing, strengthening, or flowing through poses. Do not want to move through a bunch of poses? Try more restorative poses. Do not want to do that either? Try taking a few deep breaths or meditating for a few minutes. Do not feel like doing that? Do something nice for someone else or for yourself. Journal to get to know yourself better. Go for a walk without your phone and notice everything you see on the way. Clean that one messy drawer in your house. Yoga truly has something for everyone.
How to start
If you want to try yoga but have no idea where to start, start small. Take a few deep breaths before you get out of bed. Do a few stretches before you brush your teeth. Really savour every sip of your morning tea or coffee. Pause for a moment during your day and notice how you feel. Turn your phone off for a couple of minutes to be more present. Do not overcomplicate it, and do not put too much pressure on yourself. Find a practice you can stick with and build from there.
It can also help to try different styles and approaches to figure out what works for you. Try different types of classes, breathing exercises, meditations, online videos, and routines. Do not compare yourself in the process. What works for someone else may not work for you, and vice versa. The most important thing is finding something that feels supportive and sustainable for you. Remember, yoga does not have to look impressive to count.
Finally, remember that yoga is not limited to a mat. The way you breathe through stress, the way you speak to yourself, and the way you care for your body and mind, all of that is yoga, too. If you enjoy the physical part of yoga, that is great. But if you do not, then you can still practise yoga in many other ways. Again, find what works for you and build from there.
Start where you are. Find something you enjoy. Keep it simple. Then let your practice grow over time. You may be surprised by how much can change from something as small as taking one deep breath.
Read more from Céline Kusters
Céline Kusters, Yoga Teacher
Céline Kusters is a certified yoga teacher and founder of Namunyak Yoga. With a background shaped by personal healing and professional training, she’s dedicated to making yoga accessible, inclusive, and practical. Through her classes, social media, and writing, she shares practical, down-to-earth ways to integrate yoga into daily life and help people find ease, balance, and connection. Céline’s mission is to show you that yoga is for everybody and every body, and that even a few mindful breaths can change how you move through the world.
