BY BRONWYN ISON
Yoga has been a mind, body and spirit practice for 5,000 years. The philosophy of “no pain, no gain” in yoga simply does not translate. If you have practiced yoga and you were in pain, you are over achieving or doing too much. Exceeding your limitations can be dangerous. Along with being dangerous one can be turned off by the practice of yoga if not properly instructed. Listening and honoring what your body signals will accelerate a gratifying experience.
Anatomical differences may make it impossible for one to achieve a certain posture. Because our society is competitive it is natural for us to want to achieve a posture we have seen in a book or magazine. Your body may not be prepared to accommodate the posture. Pushing yourself into a posture is simply not beneficial. You are imposing on something from the outside and going beyond your limits. This may lead to an injury or frustration. I am not suggesting you don’t challenge yourself. I am encouraging you to practice safely.
As a yoga instructor and practitioner of fourteen years I have been able to identify what my body can and cannot accomplish. Some yogi’s may refer to this as “playing to the edge.” Most yoga postures are held for a period of time. At this time your body will sink into the posture but you may experience some resistance. At this time you stop, breathe and simply revel in the posture. You can now play to your edge. If you move quickly and force your actions, your muscles will likely contract and frustrate your efforts in achieving the posture. Your body is protecting itself from injury. Forcing yourself through resistance may lead to torn muscles fibers. If you breathe and soften your approach you may find unexpected opening.
Generally, I tell students pain is contrary from challenging yourself. If something hurts you must back off. Perhaps you are exceeding limits. The difference is if you feel a painful sensation versus one that brings awareness take heed. Proper alignment is essential. If you experience joint pain ask your instructor for assistance. A qualified instructor will offer you an alternative or modification. Flexible people or those who are hypermobile must be very careful. Sometimes flexible students are deficient at assessing their own body awareness and this can contribute to misalignment of the joints.
Be mindful that your yoga class should not be a competition. Be aware of peer pressure. Your yoga practice should not be about displaying what you can do. It is about self-study. A good instructor will encourage and challenge you but he/she should also hear your voice and understand your limitations.
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga in La Quinta. Visit www.e-volveyoga.com
Or call (760) 564-YOGA (9642) for more information.
