Yoga is a great way you can keep motion in your spine and joints. Not only is yoga great for our bodies, but it is also great for our minds. Dr. Natalie may recommend doing certain yoga moves as part of your exercises at home.
Although Yoga is great, we have seen patients come in with injuries or discomfort from yoga class, which we want to help PREVENT.
Here are some tips that will optimize your yoga experience:
1. Don’t Push Your Body Beyond What It Can Handle
Everybody’s body is different. Some people are quite flexible, and others are not. Regardless of where you fall on the flexibility spectrum, our bodies have two different types of limits.
- Physiological Limit: A zone in which we can stretch & tone, and our bodies will adapt.
- Anatomical Limit: A zone in which we surpass the joints ability to cope, leading to injury
I am not saying you should not push yourself to go further, as pushing yourself a certain amount will increase your flexibility. I am saying to be aware of your anatomical limit and be mindful while practicing yoga to avoid injury.
2. Don’t Leave Immediately Right After a Hot Yoga Session
Hot Yoga Rooms can range from 75° to 108° F and temperatures in Airdrie are now headed to the minuses. Quickly switching from two different extreme temperatures will cause your muscles to tighten, scrunch up together causing pain/discomfort.
Instead, it is wiser to hang outside the hot yoga room, in the studio lobby for a few minutes before heading out in the cold. Dress Warm while heading out!
3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Modified Poses or Help
We are all good at pushing ourselves past our limits, and trying to be better and healthier overall. But sometimes we are too afraid or to stubborn to get the help we need. If a yoga move is not feeling right, do not be afraid to ask your yoga instructor for help. If you are doing a move improperly, it may be hurting your body instead of helping. If your body is physically unable to do a certain move, there may be an alternative pose that will provide you much needed relief. Yoga is not meant to be a race. The quality of each pose is important. Insuring you are doing them correctly will ensure you are receiving the best benefits for your body and mind. Remember, quality is better than quantity when it comes to your body!
IMPORTANT: If you have low back disc bulging/ herniation’s, disc degeneration, arthritis, postural issues or other back/health concerns please feel free to talk to Dr. Natalie. There may be yoga moves that you should NOT be doing!
Wishing you a healthy / Injury free Yoga Journey!
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