Via Erinmotz
In most cases, there’s plenty to do when it comes to fine tuning our yoga practice. We could lift a little more here, engage a bit more over there, and bring more awareness to our breath while we do all of it. But sometimes it’s easier to just identify what looks “off” and find out how we can correct it quickly. Taking things one step at a time with the intention of eventually painting a full picture is much more satisfying than just trying to fix everything all at once. The “fix-it-all-now” strategy is demoralizing and you rarely feel the same sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you start somewhere! How about here: some of the most commonly incorrect poses in a typical class.
1) Downward Facing Dog.
It’s easier to “dump” the weight forward because it takes the work out of the back and hamstrings, but when we lean too far forward, the wrists can strain, the spine compresses, and the rhythm of breath isn’t as fluid. Instead, be sure to elongate the hamstrings by pressing back through the heels, tilting the pelvis up, and press the floor away with the hands to elongate the spine. Also, let’s nip this in the bud once and for all: your heels do NOT have to touch the floor for this pose to be “correct.” There, I said it!
2) Chatturanga Dandasana.
Ahh, much easier to pitch the hips up and dip the chest down, but it won’t do you any favors! Dipping the shoulders below the elbows can spell injury if we don’t correct it. It’s important to keep the chest moving slightly forward so that as you lower, the triceps can support you on the way down. Drawing the belly back and slightly elongating the tailbone towards the heels will keep the integrity of your posture as well as give you more control on the descent. Remember: you’re not doing a regular push-up. Keep those elbows in so they graze the ribs on the way down. And hey– if this is a little to much for now, keep that form, but drop the knees to the floor for extra support.
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