5 Common Mistakes Made In A Yoga Class
The ancient art of yoga has been practiced for centuries but it is now a hip new trend being picked up everywhere. Many people who take up yoga start off making all the same mistakes, which can delay when you might start noticing the benefits of it; or it can just turn you off of yoga all together. Knowing these 5 commonly made mistakes may make all the difference in your yoga practice and get you on the right track right off the bat.
1. Comparing yourself to others– Just because there are other people in the class, that doesn’t mean that yoga isn’t a personal experience. Nobody is going to be on the same level as the person next to them. There are several factors that can determine someones flexibility. From genetics, to sex, to experience, to past injuries; every body is different. If you are a beginner, it makes no sense to try and stretch as far as the student next to you who may be a ballet dancer; or if you have an injury to your shoulder and try and push yourself in a pose as far as someone who is completely healthy. The class should be about you and your body and what is going to benefit you.
2.Pushing yourself to far- I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying no pain no gain. This saying does not apply to yoga. I’m not saying you may not feel some awkwardness from a position you may not be use to or some muscle fatigue start to set in after holding a pose for a little while. I’m saying yoga should not cause you any pain. Do not force a pose just so you can say you did it. All that will do is cause strain and injury and you won’t be any closer to being able to complete the pose than you were before. In fact it may set you back farther in your practice. Take your time.
3.Forgetting To Breathe- You may think this is obvious. How can I forget to breath? Breathing is automatic. You would think so but breathing can be anything but automatic when you are trying to get into a pose and hold it. I am constantly reminding my students to take big cleansing breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Breathing in this fashion is extremely important in yoga. Your muscle fibers need oxygen to fire which aids in supporting your body weight and allowing you to bend at will. Not taking big full breaths will result in wobbly limbs and lack of balance.
4.Not Staying Consistent- Just like anything else yoga takes practice. You can’t expect to go a few times here and there and expect results. Just like any type of exercise, if you don’t put in the work, you will not reap any of the benefits. 3 Times a week is a good amount of time to spend on your practice.
5.Skipping The End Of The Class- Savasana is the last part of a yoga practice and is what ties everything together. This is the part when you lay on your back and calm your mind and body. We all understand having hectic schedules and maybe you can’t stay for the whole class but make sure you set aside 5 minutes or so for this important step at some point in the day. If you can find away to stay for those last 5 minutes of the class, I think you’ll start to be able to really appreciate yoga for everything that it is.
Next week’s calendar is here. Please notice a few changes; Shannon is on vacation this week, so we will not have Hula Hoop class however, we will have MOREFIT JAZZERCISE on Wednesday instead. Dawn May will instruct the class, she has a lot of wonderful energy in her. Join her for a great workout with dance steps to Jazz music. I will be instructing yoga classes next week, so if you like my energy through that, please come Monday and Saturday. We will also cancel Mommy and Me classes for the rest of the summer.
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Come on down and join us for some classes! This week’s classes posted below!