Yoga is a peaceful and restorative practice that’s good for your body. But just like with any form of exercise, there are certain steps you can take before, during, or after a class to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Below, yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur Danielle Cuccio shares six of the most common yoga mistakes.
Eating before class
One thing is for sure – yoga feels better without a full belly! “Your stomach doesn’t have to be empty – I prefer that it’s not – but try not to eat a huge meal before yoga,” Cuccio suggests.
Pushing too hard
It’s good to get out of your comfort zone when working out, but pushing too hard in yoga can actually have negative effects. Cuccio says, “The beauty of yoga is that you can go at your own pace. There are modifications and options for every pose. For example, if you don’t need to do something like vasisthasana (a side plank), you can release your bottom knee as a great modification. You don’t need to force your practice. You can still get in your yoga, just connect it with your level of energy.”
Not listening to your body
Tuning into how your body feels on any given day is a key part of practicing yoga. After all, things like how much sleep you got, where you’re at in your menstrual cycle, what you ate, and what other workouts you’ve done can affect how you feel. “There are certain days where I can see my clients work hard and other days when I see them taking modifications and skipping vinyasa,” Cuccio notes. “That’s when I know my clients are listening to their bodies, which is a beautiful part of yoga. It allows us to be present and honest with how we’re feeling.”
Skipping savasana
Savasana might feel like a big break you don’t need, but Cuccio warns against skipping it. “This is like leaving dinner before dessert!” she says. “The yoga poses are there to lead you to the most important pose, savasana. I get some of my best business and most creative ideas while in savasana. My mind is clear, I feel amazing, and I walk out of class feeling so much better than when I walked in.”
Losing focus on your breath
Breathwork is a huge part of yoga and connecting with your breath is a big part of the reason you feel so good after class. “Make sure not to hold your breath in poses. I love when I can remind my students to inhale and exhale because we tend to hold our breaths if a pose requires a bit more work. It’s also a great way to distract our minds if a pose is giving a little burn!”
Forgetting to clean your mat
You might be wiped out, but spare a few minutes to wipe off your mat with a natural cleaner. “We walk all around these yoga studios, which are full of sweat and bacteria, and then put our bare hands and feet on our mats,” reminds Cuccio.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
