The 5 Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting Yoga

Why do beginners struggle with yoga?

You want to know how to start yoga, but life is busy, you’re not sure if it will really help, and let’s be honest-you're convinced you need to be flexible first. Sound familiar?

These are some of the most common struggles I hear from beginners, and they often lead to frustration or giving up too soon. But yoga isn’t about having all the answers before you start-it’s about learning as you go.

So, let’s talk about the five biggest mistakes beginners make - and how to avoid them.

1. Thinking you don't have time

Between work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists, finding time for yoga can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: you don’t need an hour-long class every day to benefit from yoga. Even 5–10 minutes of movement or mindful breathing can make a difference.

Start small -stretch while your coffee brews, do a few poses before bed, or take a few deep breaths between meetings. The key is consistency, not perfection.

2. Believing you have to be flexible first

“I’ll start yoga once I’m more flexible.” Sound familiar? Ironically, yoga is how you become flexible! Flexibility isn’t a requirement - it’s a result of regular practice.

Instead of focusing on how deep you can go in a pose, focus on how it feels. Yoga is about increasing mobility, reducing stiffness, and moving in a way that supports your body - no pretzel shapes required.

3. Not knowing how yoga helps you

Many beginners assume yoga is just stretching. In reality, it improves strength, mobility, stress levels, posture, and even sleep. It’s also one of the best ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself. 

If you're skeptical, start by asking yourself: What do I need right now? More energy? Less stress? Stronger muscles? There's a style of yoga for every goal. Once you find what works for you, you’ll start seeing why yoga is more than just movement -it’s a tool for feeling better in daily life.

4. Thinking you gave to do it alone

Trying to figure it all out by yourself can be overwhelming. Yoga isn’t meant to be a solo journey - whether it’s asking questions in class, following a guided practice, or joining a community, having support makes all the difference.

If you’re not sure where to start, try structured guidance - like a beginner-friendly challenge, a class pack, or yoga gear that makes your practice more comfortable. The right tools can make starting (and sticking with) yoga way easier.

5. Expecting instant results

We live in a world of quick fixes, but yoga is a long game. You might not feel super flexible or strong right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working. Each session builds on the last, and progress comes in small, consistent steps.

The key? Stick with it. Keep showing up, even when it feels hard. Over time, you’ll notice the shifts - not just in your body, but in your mindset too.

Ready to start your yoga journey?

If you’ve been holding back because of time, flexibility, or uncertainty, know that you’re not alone. The best way to start? Just begin. Even the smallest step counts. Look for local classes for beginners in your area or hatha yoga for beginners classes (the best yoga for beginners in my opinion).

Need support? I've got yoga mats, bolsters, and a Reset & Recharge Challenge designed to help you stay consistent and build mindful rituals. Check them out and make your practice easier!