It was during COVID time when people realized that all their so-called healthy habits didn’t support them and they had to look for a reliable holistic solution that is when most people turned towards YOGA.
During this time people became very conscious about their health and started practicing yoga at the same time being in the field of Yoga we started to hear a lot of injuries happen during practice.
Today let’s list down some of the common mistakes that people make and get themselves injured during the practice of yoga
- Neglecting Proper Alignment:
One of the most common mistakes in yoga practice is neglecting proper alignment. I have personally seen many of my students who just want to try a weird posture that they see on Instagram.
Many practitioners focus solely on achieving the final pose without paying attention to alignment cues. This can lead to strain on joints, muscles, and ligaments, increasing the risk of injury over time.
To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to prioritize alignment in each pose. Start by listening to your body and honoring its limits. Focus on engaging the core muscles to support your spine and joints. Use props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to modify poses and ensure proper alignment.
Additionally, consider doing asana in a class or during a session, not just anywhere without the right warmups. Also while doing advanced postures please practice under an experienced master who can provide personalized guidance on alignment cues.
2. Pushing Too Hard:
Another common mistake among yoga practitioners is pushing too hard or forcing themselves into
poses beyond their current level of flexibility or strength. Just because some one told that achieve this posture in 7 days, or enrolling to a course Full Split in 10 Days and pushing hard to achieve the posture in that time frame cause physical injury
Being in the field of Yoga from a decade, we have seen even a good practitioner falls into this trap and injures themselves so bad that it stops their Yoga practice permanently.
My teacher had a wonderful principle to avoid these injuries, Practice Ahimsa, the principle of non-harming, by respecting your body’s limitations.
Listen to your body’s signals and know when to back off or modify a pose. Focus on finding a balance between effort and ease, allowing yourself to challenge your limits without pushing past them.
Remember that yoga is a journey, and progress comes with patience and consistency.
3. Comparing Yourself to Others:
Next, many yoga practitioners fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others in the class.
Whether it’s comparing flexibility, strength, or achieving advanced poses, this habit can lead to
feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and self-doubt.
To avoid this mistake, cultivate a mindset of self-acceptance on the mat. Remind yourself that yoga is a personal practice, and everyone’s journey is unique.
Focus on your own progress and growth rather than comparing yourself to others. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and embrace the journey of self-discovery that yoga offers.
4. Not having the right guidance:
This aspect is always ignored by everyone and it began when everyone started posting yoga
videos on Internet. People thought that video is enough to learn yoga.
When you go in depth, you will realize that yoga is just not physical exercise, it has more to do with energies. And while handling these energies we need guidance of a master because a slightest mistake while handling these energies may lead to severe implications on different aspects of life.
For a common man or a person who have started the practice recently may think when the
youtube video gives the instructions then why we need a master.
As we walk through the path of yoga we realize that we need a master not just for giving instruction or sharing information but we actually need his energy. It is his energy that guide and lead a student on the path of yoga. It is his energy that protects us from distractions which otherwise may end our journey.
Conclusion:
By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing mindfulness, self-awareness, and self-compassion on the mat & having a right guidance a yoga practitioners can enhance their practice and experience greater physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Remember to prioritize proper alignment, listen to your body, and cultivate a mindset of acceptance and non-judgment. Ultimately, yoga is about more than just achieving poses — it’s about cultivating a deeper connection with yourself and finding peace and harmony both on and off the mat.