Three common mistakes I see beginner yogis make

Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for a while, we are all prone to making mistakes on our yoga journey. But no worries. Let me focus on three common mistakes I see beginner yogis make.

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Mistake #1: Comparing yourself to others

Ah, the comparison trap. It’s so easy to fall into, especially in a yoga class where you see students with many different experience levels.

You may look and see someone who can effortlessly touch their toes while you can barely reach your knees. Or you may see someone doing an advanced pose and think, “I’ll never be able to do that!”

Yoga is not a competition. Everybody is unique and will progress at their own pace.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own practice. Listen to your body and honor where you are in your journey.

Remember, the most important thing is to show up on your mat and be present in the moment.

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Mistake #2: Sacrificing proper alignment for depth

It’s easy to get caught up in the "Instagram-worthy" poses and forget about proper alignment. You may be tempted to push yourself into a deeper stretch, even if it means compromising your form. But this can lead to injury and prevent you from progressing in your practice.

Always prioritize proper alignment over depth.

Start with the basics and master the foundational poses before moving on to more advanced ones. Work with a yoga teacher who can guide you through proper alignment and adjustments. Maybe treat yourself to a few private yoga sessions to get personalized feedback to master the foundational poses.

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Mistake #3: Neglecting the breath

The breath is a crucial component of a yoga practice. It’s easy to get caught up in the physical movements and forget to breathe, but this can lead to shallow breathing and prevent you from fully experiencing the benefits of yoga.

Take time to focus on your breath throughout your practice. Use deep, steady breaths to help calm your mind and relax your body.

Remember, yoga is not just about the physical poses but also about finding a sense of inner peace and calmness.

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So, if you find yourself making these mistakes, don’t feel bad.

It’s okay if you can’t do a certain pose or if you struggle with proper alignment. These things take time and practice. And if you forget to breathe or find yourself getting distracted by others in the class, that’s okay too. It’s all part of the journey.

The important thing is to keep showing up on your mat and to be present in the moment. Listen to your body, focus on your breath, and honor where you are in your journey.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. I am here to guide you and support you on your path.

So, keep practicing, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the journey!

And if you haven't downloaded my free Starter Guide to Yoga yet, be sure to grab it now.​

Best,

Christine