10 Common Mistakes Made When Practicing Yoga

Yoga is one of the most fashionable physical activities in recent years, especially in Western countries. Its origin, however, is very old. Despite its great popularity, mistakes are sometimes made in its practice.

1. Not knowing what yoga really is

One of the most common mistakes that most people make when practicing yoga is precisely not knowing it partially or totally. For example, many believe that it is a simple type of physical activity that does not require effort, dedication or commitment.

However, in fact the opposite occurs. Yoga requires preparation, physical and mental commitment and, above all, knowledge. It is very important to find out before practicing it, because there are different types and ways of doing it.

2. Choose a bad teacher

Another very common mistake that is often made is making a bad decision when choosing a teacher. Precisely because of its popularity, there are many people who decide to take yoga classes without having the necessary knowledge. This can cause frustration for students and even injuries.

It is best to go to a place that has certified teachers. That they are professional does not mean that they are expensive. It is possible to find good and reliable options at affordable prices.

3. Do not heat

As in any other physical activity, before starting a session or routine it is very important to warm up. However, many people tend not to warm up before doing yoga because they consider that it is not an exercise as such.

4. Compare yourself with others

When they attend a yoga class, many people make the mistake of comparing themselves with others, mainly the more experienced ones, and get frustrated at not obtaining the same results.

It should be clear that each person is different and that the results may vary depending on different factors. Therefore, it is best to focus on yourself and set personal goals that help us identify our own progress.

5. Practice yoga in an inappropriate place

Not all places are ideal for practicing yoga. For example, it is very difficult to practice this exercise in very small places, with a lot of noise or without proper ventilation.

Therefore, it is important to know in advance the place where we are going to practice yoga and to condition it as best as possible.

6. Not having the right equipment

Although one of the great advantages of yoga is that you do not need special devices or tools, the truth is that at least you must have the minimum adequate equipment to fully enjoy this activity.

The most important recommendation is to wear the right clothes, which are comfortable, bring a small towel, a yoga mat and a bottle of water. Also, remember that yoga is usually practiced barefoot, so you must have good hygiene, especially when it is done with more people.

7. despair

This error has a lot to do with number 4 that we mentioned earlier. For people who are beginning to do yoga it can be very frustrating not being able to do some exercises correctly, so they often fall into despair.

“Many people think that to do yoga you have to be super flexible, but the reality is that you have to start at your own point,” explains Lisa Sochocky, an experienced teacher at Yoga Loft in Hawaii.

This  can lead to stagnation and even injury or physical problems. It is best to do the exercises within your limits and you will see how you progress little by little.

8. Pain

Although yoga can be a complicated activity, this does not mean that you should experience pain while practicing it. On the contrary, it should be something relaxing that helps your body and mind feel better.

In case you feel pain when doing the exercises, it is best to consult your teacher to guide you in this regard. It could be the case that you are performing the exercises incorrectly, but also that you suffer from some ailment or injury for which, then, you should consult with your doctor before continuing to force and risk harming yourself.

9. Abusing this activity

Abuse can be harmful to our health, especially our muscles. Therefore, it is best to progress gradually and not abuse, trying to obtain good results in a short time. Calm is always better.

10. Do not finish the whole session

Generally, at the end of a yoga class or session, what is known as the “final relationship” is usually performed. This is a very important exercise that, however, is often not completed by everyone. It is important to do the “final relaxation” to recover and clear your mind; thus our body will experience all the benefits of yoga.