Why can't some people cross their legs in the lotus position?

Generally, the inability to cross the legs in a full lotus or half-lotus position is primarily related to insufficient joint flexibility, muscle tightness, or individual differences in bone structure, and is not considered an abnormal health issue. If concerned, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Joint flexibility is key to leg crossing. Insufficient flexibility in the hip, knee, and ankle joints can limit the range of motion, making it difficult to achieve a comfortable seated cross-legged posture. Long-term lack of stretching and prolonged sitting can reduce the elasticity of ligaments surrounding the joints, further restricting mobility—this is especially common among individuals who are physically inactive.

Tight leg muscles can also hinder the ability to sit cross-legged. When the inner thighs, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles remain chronically tense, they pull against the legs, preventing them from folding inward comfortably. Additionally, some individuals have inherent anatomical features that naturally limit joint mobility; attempting forced cross-legged sitting in such cases may lead to discomfort, but this falls within the range of normal individual variation.

Practicing cross-legged sitting should involve gradual stretching and training to avoid strain or injury to joints and muscles. It's important to warm up the relevant joints before exercising and to consistently perform gentle stretches in daily life to progressively improve flexibility. If sharp pain or joint discomfort occurs during stretching, stop immediately and seek medical evaluation to rule out potential injuries.