Q: What can I do to allow my body to practise Bikram Yoga more often?

January 11, 2012 12:00 am
Holly asks: What I can do to allow my body to practise more often? Over the last few months I’ve increased my practice to three or four times a week, including a few doubles, which I am in love with. I’ve seen great improvements in all areas of my practice. One thing I was hoping to do this year is a 30-day challenge. But I find that if I practise too often (i.e., two days in a row) I pull a muscle doing mundane things in everyday ranges of motion like reaching for something or yawning. This then sets me back to sitting out postures that involve that muscle for about two weeks. What can I do to allow my body to take more practice but not get hurt?

 BYV says: It sounds like you may be pushing yourself too much in class. Try practising more gently for the next couple of weeks – not pushing yourself to your edge, which takes a lot of self-control. Keep a journal and document how you felt after each class and how hard you pushed. If you are increasing the number of classes and doing doubles, realize that is placing a lot of expectation of your body; as a result, you should move slower into and out of postures and in your day-to-day activities. Be aware of your form and alignment in class and out. Yoga will reveal your weaknesses. You have to become more aware and analyze your habits. Hope this helps!

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