If you've ever been to a yoga class and felt like you might be doing more harm than good, consider the advice of yoga teacher and author Larry Payne, who leads gentle-but-effective yoga workshops at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Esalen Institute, and Rancho La Puerta.
"You can get the benefits of yoga without straining yourself," Payne says.
Here's how:
- Stop if it hurts. If you're making a face, you're trying too hard.
- Relax your limbs. Don't force your body to do something it can't.
- Follow your breath. Inhaling while opening and exhaling while folding will make your movements smooth and effortless.
- Go with the flow, Move in and out of a posture several times before holding it. This prepares muscles and allows for a deeper stretch.
- Be forgiving with yourself. Try not to compare yourself to those around you. "Yoga is not a competition, not even with yourself," Payne coaches.
Related Content
With yoga studios popping up everywhere from urban neighborhoods to rural towns, chances are you already have access to numerous classes.
A sampling of yoga getaways from Bhutan to Jamaica.
Use these yoga tips from instructor Tom Morley and you'll get more out of your practice, will learn to enjoy the process and improve in your flows and poses.
New York City's Candle 79 is one of the best vegan restaurants around, and now you can make their healthy cuisine at home with the release of their new cookbook. They've shared with us this vegan pancake and blueberry butter recipe: it's the perfect homestye — and healthy — breakfast.
We dive into the world of milk substitutes to help you figure out which type – from soy to almond and coconut to rice – is best for you.
