stop making these Common mistakes in your yoga practice
Yoga is a great physical and holistic practice encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes, even seasoned yogis can fall into common mistakes that hinder their progress and overall experience. Whether you’re a beginner or have been practicing for years, here are 12 common mistakes to stop making in your yoga practice:
holding tension
The purpose of stretching the body is to release the tension we’re storing, not to continue holding onto it. When in a yoga pose or just stretching, it’s important to send the breath into the part of the body you’re stretching and exhale the tension from it. Squeezing the muscles while stretching is a common mistake that contributes to this.
skipping warm-up
As you would before any other physical activity, you need to warm up the body before your yoga practice. You might wonder why this is necessary, but warming the body up involves getting the blood flowing and loosening your body to prepare it for deeper levels of stretching and activity. Skipping this crucial step can lead to injury and soreness.
holding your breath
There’s nothing inherently wrong with holding your breath during yoga if a specific pose or accompanying meditation calls for you to do so. But, generally, people can forget to keep their breath moving in and out because they’re so focused on the pose and stretch. However, remembering to breathe continuously is of utmost importance to the quality of your stretch.
forcing poses
Forcing a pose can result in obvious injuries like torn muscles and ligaments. Place more focus on your journey to successfully get into the pose, because it can be just as rewarding. Forcing your body into a pose it isn’t ready for can cause you to learn the pose incorrectly and create the wrong type of muscle memory for it.
expecting immediate results
Yoga is a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation that takes time and consistency to results. The physical, spiritual, and mental aspects take time to develop. Even though it’s possible to feel some benefits immediately, expecting larger immediate results creates pressure and hinders deeper results that come with sustained practice and mindfulness.
ignoring pain
Pain is your body signaling something is wrong, and pushing through it can exacerbate the problem. Listening to your body and taking breaks when needed helps prevent injuries and promotes a safe and sustainable practice. Ignoring physical pain in your yoga practice can also lead to further injury or strain on your body.
rushing through poses
When you rush through a yoga pose you miss out on the benefit of the pose and the stretch it was meant to provide, and you also miss out on the opportunity for mindfulness in that moment. Staying fully present and committed to your practice (though small things like not rushing a pose) will cultivate deeper mental and spiritual benefits.
eating heavily before practicing
Eating a heavy meal before yoga can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable during your practice. A full stomach can also prevent you from having your usual range of motion. Having a light snack or waiting at least 2-3 hours after a meal allows for better digestion and a more comfortable yoga experience.
pushing through fatigue
Fatigue is your body telling you it needs rest and recovery. When you ignore this signal, you risk straining muscles and joints. Taking breaks, modifying poses, or practicing gentle yoga on days of fatigue supports your overall well-being and helps prevent burnout for a practice that has longevity.
ignoring the need to modify
Everyone’s body is unique, and modifications allow individuals to adapt poses to their current flexibility, strength, and physical condition, so ignoring the need to modify a pose will hinder your growth. Modifying helps prevent injuries and ensures you can experience the benefits of yoga without strain or discomfort.
neglecting a proper mentality
Yoga is not just about physical postures but also about cultivating mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner peace. By focusing on the right mentality, you can enhance the holistic benefits of yoga and create a more fulfilling and transformative practice. It also helps you fully connect to your mind, body, and breath, which is essential.
skipping savasana
Savasana (completely relaxing in corpse pose) is an essential part of yoga that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Skipping it can diminish the holistic benefits of your practice. When you choose not to close out with it, you deprive yourself of the vital relaxation and integration phase that completes your session.
