Things You Might Not Know About Practicing Yoga

One mistake that people make when they want to be yogis is that they just go with the flow when instructions are given. They rarely ask why they are making specific moves and only perform them because the instructor said so. Some have been practicing yoga and they cannot explain the reason they do it while barefoot or why they make the prayer hand sign. There are various facts that a yogi should understand about yoga.

Are You Experiencing Wrist Pain During Downward Dog?

You may notice that sometimes your wrists hurt when performing new poses. This can be reduced if you take the proper precautions. You should spread your fingers wide when holding the floor in order to reduce soreness and strengthen the wrists. One thing about this sensation is that you should not try to attempt anything if you feel a shooting pain. You should see a doctor. Taking rests in between classes also helps with wrist pain.

Why Half Lift is Popularly Performed?

There are two main reasons why yogis practice the half lift. It prepares your body to get into Chaturanga, helps you step back into plank and it also lengthens the spine. Performing this move helps you bear the weight that comes with Chaturanga and plank. It is a move that opens up your chest, lengthens the spines and engages the core.

Why Are Prayer Hands Popular in Yoga?

At the start or the end of a yoga class, many practitioners end up making the prayer hands sign which they combine with the phrase “Namaste”. What does all this mean? While many think that a yogi probably says a short prayer, this is not the case. The prayer hands sign is known as Anjali mudra which is of benefit to the body. It engages the shoulders, broadens the upper back and the collarbone and opens the chest. The phrase simply means that the light in me honors the light in you. These are spiritual and important aspects of yoga.

Why do Yogis Practice Yoga Barefoot?

When practicing yoga, one of the rules is that you should do it barefoot. Your feet contact the floor better, you stand without issues and you even stretch better. The way your legs are during practicing affects your posture and alignment. The most important thing of this aspect is to strengthen the ankles, the feet and the lower legs.

There are various yoga aspects and rules that people assume. Whether it is the signs, the words or specific moves, they all have meanings and it’s good that you understand them. When it comes to your yoga mat, they should be cleaned thoroughly as often as you use it. This is for your own health. Each move that you make has its sole purpose. Some will relieve stress, others will lengthen your spine, others will strengthen your lower body and others will boost your recovery from an injury among other benefits.