What Makes “Have You Tried Yoga?” A Complicated Question

Yoga, Chronic Illness, and the Space Between

In the trailer for the comedic film LadyParts, there’s a scene where the main character Paige goes to discuss the intimate form of chronic pain she’s been dealing with only to have the doctor ask, “have you tried yoga?” While that line didn’t make the final cut, it perfectly captures an experience many people with chronic illness know well. In fact, that exact question was the inspiration for the Beyond the Mat column.

As someone who has practiced yoga for nearly 20 years, I hate that yoga gets such a bad rap.

But I completely understand why that question can feel irritating, polarizing, and even downright infuriating. I know from personal experience that yoga can be an incredibly healing practice, but offering it as blanket advice or a panacea is simply not helpful.

Article Summary

Yoga can be a deeply supportive practice for people living with chronic illness, but it is not a cure-all, and the way it is often recommended can feel dismissive or oversimplified. The reality is that yoga is highly individual. When approached in a way that supports the individual, yoga can offer things like nervous system support, mindfulness, breathwork, intentional movement, and resilience — tools that can feel especially valuable when you’re trying to balance chronic illness with work, ambition, and daily responsibilities.

How I First Found Yoga

Yoga was first recommended to me by the physical therapist I saw during my first pelvic pain flare at age 19. Because I grew up a dancer, and am naturally flexible, I was able to quickly pick up the postures and enjoy the flowing nature of the style I tried. It was available on my college campus, so I went three days a week and it became part of my routine.

What I liked most about class was connecting to my breath, being present in my body, and forgetting the outside world for a little while. But looking back, I know there are a few things that were not ideal about my introduction to the world of yoga. 

For one, I was practicing Ashtanga yoga, which is a fairly active, rigorous style. This would have been fine if it wasn’t putting strain on a pelvis that needed to soften gently and be strengthened in a more targeted way, which was the exact reason I was sent to yoga in the first place.

Instead of learning to listen to my body, better understand my breath, and truly benefit from mindfulness, I became focused on becoming “good” at yoga — approaching it with the same performance-oriented mindset I brought into other areas of my life. It didn’t help that the teacher took a liking to me and encouraged me to take on more physical challenges.

While I still overall benefited from the practice, I unknowingly ended up worsening some of the imbalances and chronic tension at the core of my pelvic pain.

This is ultimately why I decided to do yoga teacher training. I wanted to learn how to do the physical practice in a way that was safe, supportive, and served the individual needs of my body. I also felt a pull to dive deeper into the breathwork, philosophy, and meditation aspects of the practice that are not as strongly emphasized in most mainstream classes.

What Yoga Actually Is

In my training, I quickly learned that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. In fact, there are eight limbs of yoga traditionally taught. These eight limbs, outlined in the Yoga Sutras, offer a framework for developing deeper mind-body awareness and inner connection:

1. Yamas – standards of ethics and integrity for how we conduct ourselves in life
2. Niyamas – principles of self-discipline and personal growth
3. Asana – physical postures to care for the body and develop concentration
4. Pranayama – breathwork techniques that connect the mind, body, and emotions
5. Pratyahara – turning awareness away from external distractions to go inward
6. Dharana – focused concentration on a single point or object of attention
7. Dhyana – meditation or contemplation, cultivating steady presence and observation
8. Samadhi – a state of transcendence, often described as feeling deeply connected to the Divine, the Universe, or all living things

I share this because yoga is so much deeper than most realize. It is a way to develop a stronger understanding of ourselves, look inside, and live with a greater sense of peace. That is something I believe everyone, but especially people balancing chronic illness with full, ambitious lives, can benefit from.

Why This Distinction Matters

The teacher, writer, and founder of the Iyengar yoga B.K.S Iyengar once said, “Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”

I know the word “cure” can feel complicated in the chronic illness space, but the heart of what he’s saying here is meaningful.

Certain aspects of the yoga practice allow us to become fully present and observe our mind, body, and circumstances with a keen, nonjudgmental awareness. This gives us the ability to find clarity in difficult questions and distinguish things like: what is within my control to improve, and what do I need to learn to live with?

Once we have that clarity, an intentional application of yoga can help to heal and improve the things that we decide need not be endured. 

And, we can lean into the parts of the practice that help us find calm, stability, and resilience as we work to accept and learn to endure that which cannot be changed, or “cured”.

I live with endometriosis, and as of today, there is no cure. Practicing yoga is not going to change that fact, but it has given me:

• presence of mind to navigate chronic illness with more grace
• moments of reflection that help me problem-solve and make decisions with more clarity
• targeted ways to shift my mood, support my energy, and nourish my nervous system
• tools that help relieve chronic tension and change my relationship with pain
• greater resilience, calm, and acceptance when facing challenges

Finding Ways for Yoga To Support You

I suspect when people ask, “have you tried yoga?”, it is based on their knowledge that it can be supportive and healing. While that is well-intentioned, it can feel frustrating if the suggestion comes from someone that lacks the understanding of what it is like to live with a chronic condition.

Chronic illness is complex — getting a diagnosis, finding effective treatment, and managing symptoms is rarely straightforward. So yes, yoga may be supportive, but it is only one piece of a larger puzzle.

Beyond that, I find there is usually a disconnect between the recommendation and how yoga fits the individual. Like anything, you have to understand what your goals are, limitations you may have, and how yoga will provide the most value to you.

Fortunately, there are a lot of different styles of yoga, instructors to choose from, and spaces to practice, both online and in-person.

What Style of Yoga Should I Choose?

Here are some of the classes I usually suggest for people who are new or returning to yoga, with a focus on gentler, more accessible styles:

• Hatha – relaxing, slower-paced classes with foundational poses and mindfulness
• Restorative – deeply restful relaxation using props to fully support the body
• Yin – slow, floor-based postures with longer holds that target connective tissues
• Slow flow – breath-led sequences that transition steadily from one posture to the next
• Chair yoga – stretching and strengthening performed seated or supported by a chair
• Yoga nidra – guided meditation designed to bring the body and mind into deep rest
• Trauma-informed – a format emphasizing choice, safety, and nervous system regulation

A dedicated beginner class, workshop, or series that breaks down the basics and offers more personalized guidance is another sound choice. Or, you could invest in private or small group sessions before (or instead of) joining a class to ensure your individual needs can be a focus.

There are now also many yoga classes for particular conditions. I know teachers who offer Yoga for Parkinson’s and Yoga for Cancer, applying the practice to those conditions, and offering a way to build community with others facing similar situations.

Yoga therapy, a specialty that is offered both in-person and virtually, is another great option if you want a more therapeutic environment that is tailored to your body, specific health concerns, and any limitations.

When Yoga Meets You Where You Are

The most important thing is that you find a style that is aligned with your needs and you have a safe space, with a knowledgeable teacher, to explore it.

I have a yoga instructor who says, “Yoga is a mind-body-breath practice. When your mind, body, and breath are connected, you’re doing yoga.”

I find that idea so freeing. It means yoga is not limited to a studio or even a mat. As long as you’re connected to your body, aware of your breath, and able to ground yourself in the present moment, yoga is available to you.

Whether you are lying in a hospital bed, seated on an airplane, or standing at your kid’s soccer game, you can pause for a few intentional breaths and reconnect with yourself. No tight pants or fancy equipment required.

If you do choose to take a studio class or practice with an instructor in another way, open communication can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to share any concerns or limitations you may have, and ask for modifications when needed. Use props like blocks, bolsters, and straps for extra support, always move at your own pace, and above all else, listen to your body.

What If Being Present Feels Impossible?

Being in your body or sitting with what is happening in your mind may not feel like something you want to do. When you’re used to pushing through, staying productive, or constantly being “on,” slowing down and sitting with yourself can feel deeply uncomfortable at first.

It does get easier, especially when you practice in small increments. And over time, you start to learn that:

• You are capable of sitting with uncomfortable thoughts, sensations, and emotions
• Your breath can guide you through difficult moments, and how to use that with intention
• Staying present can soften the intensity of discomfort and help you respond with greater steadiness and compassion

From there, it becomes easier to move through challenges with more calm, acceptance, and trust in yourself.

If You’re Curious About Exploring Yoga

If yoga has ever been presented to you as a simple fix for a deeply complex experience, I hope this offers a more balanced perspective. I truly believe that, when approached thoughtfully, yoga can be a supportive practice — but only if it resonates for you.

You may already have had a positive, healing experience with yoga. If so, I love that for you. 

If the concept of yoga has instead felt complicated, frustrating, or even isolating, know that you’re not alone.

Wherever you’re at with it today, this is simply an invitation to explore what your own individual approach might look like, if you’re interested. If you do want to learn more, I’ve included a few resources below.

Resources for Exploration

• Down Dog Yoga App – A highly customizable yoga app that lets you choose your pace, style, level, and practice length from home.
• Yoga Journal – A long-standing resource for learning about yoga styles, poses, breathwork, philosophy, and beginner guidance.
• Yoga Alliance – A directory where you can find certified yoga teachers, local studios, and learn more about yoga training standards.
• Accessible Yoga School – An organization focused on making yoga more inclusive and adaptable for different bodies, abilities, and health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga and Chronic Illness

Can yoga help with chronic illness?

Yoga may help support people living with chronic illness by offering practices for stress management, nervous system regulation, breathwork, mindfulness, mobility, and relaxation. However, it is not a cure for chronic illness, and what feels supportive will vary from person to person.

What type of yoga is best for beginners with chronic illness?

Gentle styles such as Hatha, restorative, chair yoga, yoga nidra, and trauma-informed classes are often a good place to start. The most important thing is finding an approach that feels safe, accessible, and supportive for your body and energy levels.

Is yoga still worth trying if mainstream classes have felt inaccessible?

Yes — yoga does not have to look like a mainstream studio class to be meaningful. Many people find support through practices like breathwork, meditation, chair yoga, restorative yoga, or short practices done at home.

Can yoga make chronic pain worse?

In some cases, yes. Certain styles, movements, or approaches may aggravate pain, hypermobility, fatigue, or nervous system dysregulation if they are not appropriate for your body or condition. This is why individualized, informed, and supportive instruction matters.

Is yoga something I can do with physical limitations?

Absolutely. Traditional yoga includes breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, and other practices beyond physical postures. For some people, simply slowing down, connecting to the breath, and practicing awareness are where they get the most benefit from yoga.