Subject: RE: Yoga?jogo - 2009-07-06 8:18 PM
I agree with above. Check out instructors who will talk you through adjustments for your level. Know your limits. Yoga is not about getting the poses perfect as much as it is connecting with your body and releasing the tension. Because of running, hamstrings are very tight. Do not expect to get your heels to the floor when everyone else can. Don't try. Listen to your body and let it go as far as it will. Do not push it past its natural stopping point. As you do more and more you will get more flexible. Remember that yoga is not a competition. There is no judgement, only guidance. This is about you and your body. The flexibility will come.
I couldn't agree with this more ... I'm a yoga teacher - and having someone to adjust your form, make sure you are aligned properly, and make sure you are practicing safely, is paramount. Find a studio that is open to all body types (I find some studios are very much for the very flexible, long, lean, Yoga Journal types ... while other studios welcome and support EVERYONE ) ... remember that YOUR yoga is YOUR yoga - it's not a competition between yourself and the person on the next mat. There is no judgement in yoga ... the teacher should not judge you, other students should not judge you, and most importantly you should not judge yourself. It's the time to slow down and learn how to listen to your body ... I often tell my students - if you listen to your body whisper, you won't have to hear it scream.
You don't need to go to the studio for every practice - but it's good to know proper form and learn the little tricks and techniques you won't pick up from DVD's. |