Inflexible during yoga ?

I have been going to yoga class for about 4 weeks now (4 x a week). However, I am not very flexible. I can not touch my toes with my fingers and everyone in my class seems to do this with ease and without bending thier knees. what can I do to remedy this issue? My back wont let me extend that far and I can feel strain on my hamstrings.

be careful push yourself to discomfort with each exhale push down more (push deeper into the position) discomfort is good breath through it but pain is bad back of when it is really painful keep practicing you will get there. Do stretches everyday out side of yoga.

Our muscles, tendons and joints get used to limited range of motion because we typically don't encourage them to go beyond what is easy. Yoga is a great way to remedy this. I encourage you to keep to 4 x a week. It is going to take more time, everyone is different. Something you can do to help things along is hot tub, steam room or sauna. You can then do some further stretching. This is something I had done when I first got started and it really made a difference.

I'm not into yoga, but I thought yoga would, over time, cause you to be more flexible. It surely won't happen in 4 weeks, maybe not even to your liking in 4 years. I'm sure your trainer would agree that a proper diet designed specifically for you would be very beneficial. Check out the sources below, and get back to me if you have any questions.

the best way to become more flexible is to stretch. push yourself (but not too hard you could pull mussels) every morning when you wake up and every evening befor you go to bed. sit in a stradle on the floor and reach for your toes (one leg at a time). you will feel it pulling in your legs and thats good as long as your not in real pain. eventually you will be able to reach further and further.