Anyone can do yoga. Follow this expert advice to maximize your poses without getting hurt (14 Photos)
Mary Bolster on Jun 13, 2012 at 11:23AM
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J. Howard/Photodisc/Getty Images a Mary Bolster on Jun 13, 2012 at 11:19AM |
Want to do yoga but can’t touch your toes? Don’t let that stop you, says Natasha Rizopoulos, a senior teacher with Yoga Works and Down Under Yoga. “Yoga will help you become more flexible but it’s not a prerequisite.” In fact, sometimes being a little stiff can protect you from getting injured -- your limited range of motion will keep you from trying advanced poses. Beginners who are naturally flexible often try more advanced poses without the necessary strength in their joints and muscles or the know-how for proper alignment, setting them up to get hurt easily. The goal is to strike a balance between strength and range of motion so you can sit and stand comfortably, says Rizopoulos.