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Step Four: Pushing Too Fast

John Sovec

JS_Push-too-fast_12.23.08.JPGSo now that you have initiated your journey into yoga, things probably seem to be going great. You’re finally beginning to understand what the teacher is saying, you’re feeling more comfortable in your body, those after-class aches and pains are starting to lessen, and you’re thinking that you’re ready to take even more classes.

Be careful. Too much of anything – even a great thing like yoga – can tax the body and leave you feeling depleted if you are not bringing total awareness into your practice.

Taking one class a week is a great way to start. Maybe after about six weeks, you can add in another class – but only if your body feels like it is ready. And another month after that, if all’s still going well, you could consider adding a third class, but not more than that. Taking yoga seven days a week is a lofty and unrealistic goal for a beginner, as it’s important to not push yourself but rather take time for your body to adjust and be open to this new practice.

Also keep in mind that the time in between your yoga class is just as important as the class itself. This is a period when your body can flush out toxins, rebuild itself, and get the rest it needs.

Just as Step Three of my five-step series invited new yoga practitioners not to compete, this fourth step is reminding you to allow yourself the freedom to not push so hard that you push yourself right off the mat and out of the studio.

Safety Tips for Starting Yoga:

[tags]awareness of yoga practice, yoga for beginners, after yoga class, detoxing, freedom[/tags]

Author: John Sovec

John Sovec is a psychotherapist and yoga teacher serving the community of Pasadena. In his therapy work John specializes in focusing clients on uncovering their personal strengths, building upon those strengths, and encouraging clients to live the best lives…

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