About Yoga: The Alignment Paradox

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Yoga Yoga Yoga Styles Beginners Poses & Workouts From Ann Pizer, your Guide to Yoga When your yoga teacher gives you verbal instructions about the position of your hips or comes over and coaxes you to deepen the bend of your knee in warrior I, he or she is working with you on your alignment. The idea that there is an ideal way to do each yoga pose can seem like a contradiction, since those very same teachers are the ones encouraging you to listen to your body and not judge yourself. Let's look at how acceptance and alignment can co-exist. Why Alignment Matters "Listen to your body" is something you hear over and over again in yoga classes. For many students, it's a tough directive to follow, especially when the same yoga teachers that are telling you to listen to your body are coaching you into uncomfortable positions and encouraging you to stay there longer than you'd like. So which is it? Are you supposed to do it your way or their way? Search Related Topics:  yoga injuries  yoga for athletes  yoga for better health 10 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself in Yoga Class #4. Stop Listening to the Teacher OK, you should listen to the teacher most of the time, but don't forget who's really in charge here: you. If your teacher instructs a pose with which you don't feel comfortable, if it causes you pain or aggravates an injury, don't do it. No one is inside your body but you, so you're the one calling the shots. And if a teacher gives you a hard time about it, find a new teacher. Search Related Topics:  yoga advice  10 things to stop doing  Avoid Yoga Injuries Practicing good alignment and listening to your body are both ways to minimize the chance of hurting yourself in a yoga class. Search Related Topics:  exercise for beginners  yoga for beginners  sports injuries Pose of the Week - Sugarcane Pose-Ardha Chandra Chapasana Sugarcane (ardha chandra chapasana) is a variation of ardha chandrasana that incorporates a backbend. It's a little like adding in bow pose. On your side. While standing on one leg. Ok, I said a little. Try it! Search Related Topics:  standing poses  balances  core strength Related Searches Hatha Yoga Videos Yoga Class Schedule Yoga Asanas Yoga Fitness Yoga Exercise Featured Articles Yoga Glossary Yoga Frequently Asked Questions Practicing Yoga During Pregnancy Beginning Yoga Practice An Index of Yoga Poses Yoga Styles   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Ann Pizer Yoga Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Yoga newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What is Yoga? Yoga for Beginners - How to Start Yoga and Weight Loss Yoga Tips Sun Salutation - Step by Step   Follow me on: Advertisement