7 Most Common Questions About Starting Yoga After 40 (No Flexibility Required!)

Links to things mentioned in this episode: 💜 Join the Yoga By Heather Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603581096525016 60 High-Protein Foods for Women Over 40 https://youtu.be/K9kkNq5fowQ  Peloton App (Try for 60 days free) https://www.onepeloton.com/digital/checkout/digital-gp-60d?code=MGZhODMwZDk0ZmM4NDA4MTg1OWM1MWE5NDMzM2JjOTB8NTA3MjE4ZDg2MjMxNGI5MjljYmE4ZTJkMWViMGJlYmY=  Isalean Performance Protein https://ysa.isagenix.com/en-us/shop/weight-management/isalean-performance-protein?pid=9c4ee1928e9c4dbfab628af1e4c8695e Collagen Peptides https://amzn.to/4lf2iZD  Slow Flow Yoga for Beginners Over 40: https://www.yogastrengthacademy.com/online_store/slow-yoga-for-beginners-over-40  Will yoga help you to lose weight? https://youtu.be/E0CXxEpErp0?si=EB-1YG4AdqoDSVjB YOGA TRAPEZE (SUSPENSION YOGA): 💜 Yoga Body Trapeze Stand https://amzn.to/3KbWD6B    🌟 Yoga Inversion Swing (Sling) https://amzn.to/3MaqjCz   🌹 Yoga Trapeze Ceiling Hooks https://amzn.to/40ATHWj   🌳 Aerial Yoga Silk https://amzn.to/3JMcreT Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! In this episode of the Yoga Strength Academy podcast, host Heather Monthie addresses common questions about integrating yoga into fitness routines, specifically for women over 40. Heather covers key topics such as flexibility, yoga as a form of workout, the role of yoga in weight loss, and the types of yoga suitable for older adults. She also discusses how to adapt yoga practices for those with injuries or joint pain using props, and emphasizes the importance of whole foods and proper nutrition over supplements. Heather shares her expertise and personal experiences to encourage listeners to explore various styles of yoga and find what fits best for their individual needs. https://youtu.be/eDukre0aZGE?si=QKJXhzaWXAMAxynG 00:00 Introduction to the Yoga Strength Academy Podcast 01:57 Addressing Common Yoga Concerns 04:37 Yoga as a Workout: Benefits and Misconceptions 08:40 Yoga and Weight Loss: The Mind-Body Connection 13:39 Choosing the Right Yoga for Your Age 19:21 Yoga Modifications for Injuries and Joint Pain 21:26 Listening to Your Body in Yoga 23:23 Using Props to Enhance Your Yoga Practice 27:26 The Role of Supplements in Fitness 32:18 Finding the Right Yoga Community 35:22 Introducing the Yoga for Beginners Over 40 Program 39:39 Conclusion and Podcast Direction If you're over 40 and thinking about trying yoga but feel unsure because you're not flexible or haven't worked out in a while you're not alone. As a yoga teacher who specializes in helping women over 40 feel strong, confident, and at home in their bodies again, I get a lot of questions like: “Do I need to be flexible first?” “Can yoga help with weight loss?” “What if I can’t even get down on the floor?” In this blog post (and podcast episode), I'm breaking down the 7 most common questions I get from women who want to bring yoga into their wellness routine  but feel like they're starting from scratch. 1. I’m not flexible  can I even do yoga? YES  a thousand times yes. Flexibility is a result of doing yoga, not a requirement. Just like you don’t need to be strong to start lifting weights, you don’t need to be flexible to start yoga. Yoga is about turning inward  reconnecting with your breath, your body, and your sense of self  not performing Instagram-worthy poses. With consistent practice, you’ll notice not just improved physical flexibility, but also more mental clarity and emotional resilience. Flexibility is just the bonus. 2. Is yoga even a workout? Will it help me get stronger? Yoga can be a workout depending on the style and your goals. If you’re training for a bodybuilding competition or marathon, yoga will support your training through mobility and recovery. But if your goal is to feel more energized, confident, and in tune with your body, yoga can absolutely be the foundation of your fitness routine. From slow flow to power yoga to yoga trapeze, there are many styles to explore  and some are incredibly strength-focused. The key is consistency and finding a class that fits your body and your lifestyle. 3. Can yoga help with weight loss? It depends but yoga is an incredible support tool on your fat loss journey. Weight loss ultimately comes down to being in a calorie deficit. But staying in a deficit consistently is where most people struggle. That’s where yoga comes in: It lowers stress hormones like cortisol Builds a strong mind-body connection Encourages mindful eating Helps you slow down and listen to your hunger cues I’ve personally seen women lose inches and improve their relationship with food simply by showing up on their mat a few times a week. https://youtu.be/E0CXxEpErp0?si=EB-1YG4AdqoDSVjB 4. What kind of yoga should I star