 Yoga: Practice Hard & Heal Fast?
As a
yoga teacher, I'm always telling students to go slowly, breath deeply,
and take it easy; but there's always one person who doesn't hear a word
I'm saying... the guy who grits his teeth, grunts, moans, and sprays
sweat across the room every time there's a posture change.
Why do people do this? Well, that guy used to be me, so let me explain.
ENTHUSIASTIC NEW STUDENTS A new student will often walk in the door
expecting to snooze through class, but ninety minutes, 35 postures, and
3 OMs later, that same person walks away a weak, wobbly mess.
For me, this is the best kind of student because the shock of their
first class often makes them ultra-motivated, committed, and wiling to
try anything to restore some balance in their life.
PRACTICE HARD
Many yoga teachers (myself included), will tell you to take it easy, be
safe, and take your time. This is good advice that should be followed,
but I'd also recommend that you practice hard.
What I mean is show up to class, listen to your teacher, and do as he
or she says. Read books, try postures at home, wake up early, roll out
your mat, and practice, practice, practice!
Yoga can work miracles, but you have to work too.
HEAL FAST
Some part of my body is usually a little sore from yoga--but there is a
big difference between soreness and pain. Soreness is good, pain is
bad.
To overcome your general yoga soreness, keep practicing--but practice
more gently. Don't stretch so deeply and modify postures as needed.
Taking extended time off from practice is never beneficial.
The rule "if you don't use it, you lose it," certainly holds true with
yoga, but over zealous students have been known to blow out their
knees, pull hamstrings, and slip disks in their back. This is serious
pain that could keep you off your yoga mat for a REALLY long time, so
practice continuously, but safely.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
In an ideal world, we'd get all the healing nutrients we need from the
foods we eat, but our food is no longer the nutrient-dense fuel source
it once was (depleted soils, genetic engineering, etc.).
Also, pollution, stressful lifestyles, and our constant exposure to
toxins reduce our bodies' nutrient stores. For these reasons, I think
it's wise to take organic, whole food supplements on a daily basis.
There are many great supplements available, but there are 4 that I've found essential for yoga students.
MSM: this natural source of sulfur fights inflammations and promotes flexibility and strength of muscles and connective tissues.
GREENS: chlorophyll-dense plant foods boost energy and detoxify the blood.
VIT C: boosts the immune system and enhances the effects of MSM.
TRACE MINERALS: balance the electrolytes in the body and provide building blocks for tissues.
Please send any questions or comments to: questions@yogabodynuturals.com
About the Author
Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher, vegan chef, nutritional coach, and
the founder of YOGABODY Naturals, an all-natural nutritional supplement
company dedicated to education, outreach, and wellness. For more
information, visit: http://www.yogabodynaturals.com.
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