Finding a balance in one’s yoga practice is essential to one’s health and happiness, according to all three experts. This is what the yoga gurus say to keep from going too far, or to get back on track if you are.
See if you can get in some quick practice. The author, Bell, suggests practicing for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. According to him, the likelihood of overuse injuries from postures is minimal, regardless of whether you do this daily or take a couple of days off each week. He goes on to say that it’s an excellent entry point for newcomers.
Be attentive to your physical self. According to Bell, you should pay attention to your body and not disregard its indications. “Take a little break from the posture if you feel particularly strained, if your muscles are trembling excessively, or if you can’t keep your alignment correct. “If [the class is] holding it for a little longer, you can always get into the pose again,” he explains.
Look into yoga styles that are easier on the body. Bar recommends taking a restorative yoga or yin yoga session, where you hold poses for longer, if you frequently do power or hot yoga. “If you’re not sure what the class will entail, you may want to inquire with the studio or the teacher because the names of some of the classes can be a little elaborate,” she explains.
Take a break from yoga if you’re doing a particularly strenuous style. If you’re trying to achieve a specific goal in your practice, like increasing your strength or flexibility, Bell suggests taking a day off in between sessions to recharge. He claims that you can truly increase your strength by allowing your muscles a brief period to recover.
Begin to delve into the yoga tenets. Theorizing about nonviolence and other foundational principles could shed insight on the matter, according to Bell. Exploring the various aspects of the practice will help you avoid overdoing it, as there is more to it than just physically pushing yourself. “Look for methods to be kinder and more generous to yourself,” he advises.
Think about seeing a yoga therapist for either one-on-one or small group sessions. They are there to aid with modifications, get you started on a routine, and show you how to properly ramp up the intensity. If your doctor prescribes physical therapy for rehabilitation, you might be eligible to have yoga therapy paid through your PT.
