A lot goes on in a yoga class–concentration, breathing, bending, twisting, and inverting–it requires complete engagement of the mind, body, and heart. For both experienced and novice yogis alike, this complexity level means mistakes will happen. While some errors in Yoga may cause you to feel uncomfortable and prevent you from moving forward, others can hold you back, and others could endanger your security. But don’t fret; most yoga mistakes are relatively easy to fix!
Through my many decades of teaching Yoga and practicing, I’ve witnessed as well made many pancakes. To help you benefit from my experiences, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the most common yoga errors to avoid to ensure a successful practice.
Don’t stress about repairing many errors at once. Simply save this list to your computer and revisit it regularly to improve your practice. The most important thing is not to judge yourself for making these errors! Instead, consider them as your way to join Yoga “tribe” and work on improving your awareness for your next session.
Late to class
Allowing yourself plenty of time to park to check in, check-in, and get ready for your yoga class will help you maintain a calm and relaxed attitude and enable you to let the stress of your morning at the front door. Being 5-15 minutes early will show respect for your teacher and fellow students. It also gives you time to get acquainted with your yoga studio’s group before the class.
Suppose you will be late; waiting until after the first meditation to enter the class is recommended. However, every yoga studio has different rules regarding lateness. Make sure you don’t bring more than you need, choose a space close to the door and remain as peaceful as you can as you take off your yoga mat before joining.
The rush to get to the yoga class
Take your time to prepare and to travel for your class. If you are stressed and anxious, adjusting to a peaceful and relaxing yoga session will be more difficult. The rush to class may cause you to forget to bring the things you require and stop you from being at ease for your yoga practice.
Inappropriate clothing
It may require some trial and error to discover the yoga attire that is most suitable for your body as well as the type of class you’d like to take part in. If your clothing is too tight, restricting sweaty, scratchy, or tight, you’ll lose focus from focusing on your breath and yoga poses.
Wear clothes that are easy to move about in and are made from materials that are comfortable for your skin. If you’re doing hot Yoga, you’ll need lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. For Vinyasa and Ashtanga classes, you will want compression and support. For gently loose-fitting classes, comfortable clothing is the way to take it. If you need guidance on how to dress for class, you could contact the studio’s receptionists for suggestions.
The smell is ominous
One of the main tenets of Yoga is to practice such hygiene. Remember your hygiene while preparing for class, and ensure you have a discreet and clean scent. Being heavily scent-free or with body odors can be distracting to other students.
Don’t clean your mat
The yoga mat must be cleaned regularly to ensure it smells fresh and works correctly. A filthy yoga mat, especially when utilized for hot Yoga, can eventually stink and cause a distraction from your yoga practice. Also, you risk injury using a dirty mat. It can lose its grip, causing your feet and hands to slip and slide, causing a decrease in your balance.
Refusing props
It’s easy to think of props as unneeded and an indication of weakness; however, the yoga block straps, blankets, and straps are intended to improve, assist and strengthen your practice. Although you may have to spend an hour or two collecting props before clearing them out, keeping them at your side will ensure you are completely prepared for any yoga posture taught in the class. Many teachers incorporate props into their classes in the classroom, so if you spot props on the yoga instructor’s mat when you walk into the classroom, it is important to collect identical props. Making it a chore to gather props in the middle of the class could disrupt your flow and cause a distraction to other students.
Use a mat at a low price
When you first start, Yoga is fine to buy a beginner’s yoga mat at a reasonable price. Although no one needs the most expensive yoga mat securing an inexpensive mat could hinder your progress as you advance in your practice, as mats can slide, get tangled up, and then not remain flat. Problems with mats like this can cause distraction, hinder the fullest range of poses, and can even lead to injuries. If you’re shopping for your yoga mat, select one that offers enough cushioning to your wrists and knees and provides a good grip to stop slips.
Training while eating a full meal
It’s difficult to plan your meals according to your yoga routine, but trust me, if you do Yoga while eating a large meal, you’ll soon regret it. Excessive amounts of liquids or food in your stomach will make you uncomfortable, cause you to slow down, and even hinder you from doing certain poses…but feeling hungry isn’t a good thing either. You can avoid the distractions of fullness and hunger by eating small snacks at least an hour before your yoga session starts.
Take your phone along with you
Smartphones are a major source of distraction in our day-to-day lives, which is the opposite of what Yoga is all about. Do yourself and other yoga practitioners an enormous favor and put your phone away in your car. You could even think about leaving it at your home. If you have to bring it to the studio, disable the ringer and do not bring it in the classroom unless you’re a medical professional available.