Yoga Contents Archive

can barely go up in cobra pose?

Is it normal that as a beginner I can only go up maybe 5 inches in cobra pose? I don't push with my arms and use purely my lower back muscles but they're working damn hard to reach only 5 inches off the floor when I see others go up all the way easily

Sprained ankle recovery

Hey all, I sprained my ankle 2 months ago and now I’m off crutches and basically back to normal but I could still use some good ankle stretching. I’ve been doing downdog,pigeon,warrior pose, garlend stretch, merman, and some others along those lines. I’d consider myself a step above the average yogi, if that helps with recommendations on stretches! Thanks :)

Straightening lifted leg (eg bird of paradise)

I've been practicing yoga at home for a few years now (\~4days a week, 30-60mins a day), with a few months break here and there due to illness/injury. I've managed to build some skills fairly naturally just by practicing them regularly - like handstands, flying pigeon, grasshopper and other arm-balance/inversion poses - that I couldn't come close to doing initially. But one thing that doesn't seem to get any better is my ability to straighten my lifted leg in poses like bird of paradise or eka pada koundinyasa II. Is there something I should be working on beyond just repeating the poses, like focusing on flexibility based classes etc? Or is this something that some people physiologically aren't able to do without great strain? I'm 37 so I don't want to push myself to injury or anything, it's just curious to me that other poses seemed to develop naturally, while I'm just as terrible at others as when I started lol.

Mixing yoga with weights/kettlebell training.

Currently studying ashtanga yoga and enjoy it. I often feel well worked and peaceful at the end of a good practice. I also enjoy kettlebells for the benefits they provide. Does anyone here have advice on mixing the two practices? Or mixing yoga with weight training or calisthenics in general?

What Cheaper options exist for hot yoga In south Orange County California? ( prefer with child care but not required)

Seeking recommendations/pricing! Thanks

Three healthy foods and herbs are important for maintaining mental health and good sleep.

Thoughts on Karin Dimitrovova inversion/hand stand classes?

When I was practicing yoga daily, I never really was interested in building the strength needed to achieve safe inversions, but I’ve built a lot of strength with calisthenics programs over the last few months and I’m feeling I might have developed the upper body and core strength to start working on inversions. I keep getting targeted ads on Instagram (I’m talking like 2-3 a day and I have myself limited to 15 mins on IG) for the Karin Dimitrovova Core Play & Inversion online programs. I’m kind of curious. I’m not one to go to a studio, not bc I feel any type of way about studio environments, just bc I’m a homebody and enjoy doing everything I can at home. Has anyone tried these out? What do you think of them?

Been trying to get into yoga is it normal to be pissed about it in the beginning

To be clear I’m watching YouTube videos not in public, but randomly they will say a term I don’t know and it will be annoying or they will have me in a position where I can’t watch the video and since I have no clue what anything is I have to get out of position constantly to readjust the phone, also I’m definitely not following the breathing the videos want me to have since it’s way to slow. Is this normal beginner stuff or am I doing something wrong

Genuine answers only

I’ve recently started doing yoga. I really want a cute butt so I have a question. Can doing yoga change the way your ass looks? And make it more in shape? Ofc I’ll also start lifting weights but I was wondering if yoga could also help with that?

Body, Mind, & Soul?

Yoga is the unity between body, mind, and soul. I understand the body-mind connection but I'm still struggling to understand what the soul part is. Is it simply finding purpose in life?

First Time

Hi, im an looking to get some tips on ig yoga is the right choice and how i should start. Recently i noticed getting a stiff back and some back pain from time to time and when i strech hard i hear crackling sounds

How do you clean TPE yoga mats after use? I bought kinda cheap ones from Kool PH.

I'm kinda new. I read that the way to clean mats depends on the material. I have this specific TPE mat from Kool PH: https://shp.ee/hfc7498 And I'm planning to use this yoga mat cleaner after every use: https://shp.ee/sacgbis But I'm still not sure about this cleaner because it wasn't stated what exact ingredient does the disinfecting so it might not be effective. I read that water + vinegar works but I'm worried that it'll make my mat smell. I've also read about water + dish soap but it might make my mat slippery. How do you guys clean your TPE mats after use? Also, is this safe to wash or soak in the tub? I feel like just simply wiping it isn't enough so I'm planning to wash it with dish soap and a soft sponge every month or so.

[question] I work at my computer for work, whether it's home office or in-office, and I find it hard to sit down for long periods of time. I run and do yoga regularly and I feel super aware of my back when I am sitting for too long

I don't have perfect posture, but I feel it intensely after I am super focused for a moment and scrunched, and then become aware again of my body. It often affects my focus and motivation. ​ Can anyone else relate? What is your approach as an active/flexible person who has to sit for longer periods for work?

Cow face with eagle arms

How do you balance studio vs at home practice?

Hi yogis! I’m wondering how other people balance home practice with studio classes, and what you think the benefits are of either side. Obviously home practice is great for affordability, but how do you make it special? Also, for people who practice at home, do you watch videos or do you do your own thing? I’m just curious how people practice! Thanks :)