Yoga...
Michelle,
Yoga is a cumulative exercise... like all others.
When I first started I couldn't touch my toes!!! (Could barely get down half past my shins!)...
Now, I'm able to palm the floor behind me.
Don't get me wrong... you stop doing the stretches/positions, you'll lose flexibility.
Over the past years I've somewhat started/stopped (due to restricting schedules) - but I've been able to get back to where I once was w/in a shorter period each time.
So, If I dont practice for say a week (they say 3 days past doing an exercise, when you start again it's like you're back at square one)... then I try for instance to palm the floor - I'll be able to touch my toes... but no further. By two days in a row of stretching, I'm back to palming the floor.
Your muscles only "remember" for so long!
I'd say if you've never done yoga before and are in decent shape (that is, able to touch your knees or further down, dont have too many ailments (joints & nerves), and so forth)... I'd give it a month (minumum!) to see results.
You'll be able to hold many positions for at least 15 seconds (it's recommended to start holding for only 8 seconds and work your way up).
There are so many positions and the great part is you can take away or add as you like. I have trouble with my knees - so I try to stay away from the ones that keep my knees bent for _too_ long.
That's what I love so much about it. You can fine-tune it to you, your needs.
Also, you see and feel the results immediately. Unlike aerobic workouts where you're just full-body sore the next day and you wont see results for about 2 months...
after (nearly 9 mos (due to injury & working 3 jobs) off of exercise/yoga)... I was able to get back down to my average dress size (as I'd gained an embarrasing amount of weight (for my small stature of 5'5") w/in a matter of 4 months.
But note, that was an hour every day of some intermediate and advanced positions.
(All that means are some of the positions are a little more complicated - but generally intermed. & adv. mean all the basic positions you've learned from the start you simply hold for a longer period of time (say from 30 seconds to a minute or more).)
Hope that helps.
Any further questions... just type away!
Sue.