One of the biggest objections to yoga is that people feel they have to be flexible to do it. Untrue. Yoga will help you improve your flexibility, and general mobility, to function properly. It is also mentally relaxing, even while it can be physically challenging. Not convinced? That's okay. You don't have to go take an hour long yoga class to get some benefits. Here are a few yoga poses that you can add to your stretch sessions to really improve your overall function. Before you try any new activity, you should speak to your doctor to ensure that these movements are safe for you to try.

Frog Pose

Sounds funny, but the frog pose is a great hip opener that can improve flexibility and mobility, and may even help alleviate back pain due to tight muscles. Perform this pose on a carpet or mat for comfort. Start in an all fours position — knees under your hips and hands under your shoulders with body parallel to the floor. Slowly, slide your knees out to the sides, opening your hips while keeping your knees bent. Support your torso with your hands while you inch your knees further and further apart. Stop when you feel a pulling sensation but no pain. Support your upper body on your forearms or hands depending on how close you are to the ground. Hold the pose for five to 10 deep breaths, relaxing each time you exhale. Carefully bring yourself back up to all fours. You can repeat the pose two or three times, or hold it longer if you'd like a deeper stretch.

Low Lunge or Kneeling Lunge

This pose will help stretch, or open, the front of your hips and thighs. You'll do it on one side, then repeat on the other side of your body. Kneel down on a mat or carpet. Bring your right foot up so it is flat on the floor but slightly in front of your knee. Place your hands on your right thigh for support as you slowly lean forward until your right knee is directly over your ankle. You should feel a stretch in the front of your left hip and thigh. If you don't, slide your right foot forward a bit more and stretch further. Stop when you feel that stretch, but no pain. Hold for five to 10 breaths and repeat up to three times on each side.

To increase the intensity and stretch through your abdomen and back, you can change your arm and torso position. Bring your arms up so they are next to your ears. Slowly, arch back as you are leaning into the stretch for your hip. If it is too intense, bring your arms back down.

Cobra Pose

Unfortunately, many people suffer from stiff or painful back muscles. When it hurts, you stretch forward, lengthening those muscles. But your spine moves in different directions, and the cobra pose can help you open up through the front of your body and stretch your spine. Lay down on your mat on your stomach. Place your hands under your shoulders, and press your shoulders down away from your ears to keep your neck long. Your legs are straight and relaxed. Inhale, and as you exhale push through your hands and begin to lift your torso away from the ground, arching up and back. Keep those shoulders down the entire time. Press up as far as you can so that you feel the stretch, but there is no pain and your hips and legs remain on the ground. Hold for five to 10 breaths, then slowly release back down to the floor. Repeat up to three times.

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