If you’ve ever been to a yoga class and felt like you might be doing more harm than good, consider the advice of yoga teacher and author Larry Payne, who leads gentle-but-effective yoga workshops at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Esalen Institute, and Rancho La Puerta.
“You can get the benefits of yoga without straining yourself,” Payne says.
Here’s how:
- Stop if it hurts If you’re making a face, you’re trying too hard.
- Relax your limbs Don’t force your body to do something it can’t.
- Follow your breath Inhaling while opening and exhaling while folding will make your movements smooth and effortless.
- Go with the flow Move in and out of a posture several times before holding it. This prepares muscles and allows for a deeper stretch.
- Be forgiving with yourself Try not to compare yourself to those around you. “Yoga is not a competition, not even with yourself,” Payne coaches.
Text from www.spamagazine.com
posture, resort and spa, yoga class, yoga teacher, yoga workshops
