People love yoga because it's such a welcoming form of movement —
there's something for everyone. Yoga is all about embracing your body's
limitations and honoring the light and joy within you. With that said,
you're not going to feel very blissed out if you pull a hamstring trying
to stick your leg behind your head. Here are some no-nos when it comes
to attending a yoga class.
- Not warming up: Even if the room is heated, the class should
begin slowly, with postures and movements that gradually warm up your
muscles. Sun salutations, Cat and Cow,
circling the neck, wrists and ankles, and Child's Pose are all great to
do at the beginning of class. If the instructor begins with challenging
poses, arrive early so you can do five to 10 minutes of your own
warmup.
- Trying to be like Polly Pretzel in the corner: It's hard not
to look around at the other students in your class, especially the ones
who look like they know what they're doing, but don't try to emulate
them perfectly. Everyone's body is different, so don't expect your pose
to look like Susi Stretchy's.
- Being competitive with yours truly: Just as you shouldn't
compare yourself to others in the room, don't compete with yourself
either. Honor your body's abilities at the present moment, and don't try
to do what you did two years ago, or get as deep into a pose as you
think you should. When you walk into a yoga class, leave your ego at the
door.
- Doing poses you're not ready for: I always encourage my
students to try new poses, but not if your body isn't strong or flexible
enough. When working on backbends, you know whether it's a better idea
to do a beginner version like Cobra versus an advanced version like Scorpion.
- Being too cool for props: If you're struggling to get your hand to the floor in Rotated Triangle,
place your hand on a block instead. Don't think of props as wimpy or
just for beginners. Blocks, straps, and bolsters can make poses feel
more comfortable and stable, and sometimes you'll feel an even deeper
stretch when you use them.
