Yoga is more than twisting and turning your body and memorising all asana steps. While it is simple to watch a YouTube video and instantly start practising, without the appropriate knowledge, guidance, and support of an expert, you may be putting yourself at risk of injuries and health problems.

First and foremost, Yoga is a method of self-observation and understanding of your body and mind, which ultimately helps them to be in harmony with each other. As you progress in your Yoga practice, you will gain several health benefits, reduce chronic diseases, and enjoy excellent mental health. One begins to render better decisions and thinks more clearly.

To master the ancient practice, it is necessary to first seek the advice of an expert. Some of us may make mistakes such as eating just before our practice, using the wrong breathing pattern, practising Yoga asanas at the wrong angles, or wearing clothing that hinders our practice.

Dr. Mickey Mehta, a global holistic health guru and corporate life coach, explains common yoga mistakes that we all do and how to avoid them.

1. NO WARM-UP

Always start Yoga with a proper warm-up. A thorough warm-up of compound body movements of twisting, turning, bending forward; backward; sideways, a little bit of gentle bhujangaasana, spot march, pavanmuktasana is required; everything should be very gentle and submaximal. Without a warm-up, if one straightaway starts with difficult postures, one could get a sprain or injuries.

2. UNCOMFORTABLE CLOTHES

One must wear comfortable clothes while doing yoga poses. If your clothes are too tight, it may limit your movements. Wear clothes that help you easily move around and are of comfortable material. Wearing a belt is strictly prohibited.

3. DOING YOGA BEFORE 3 HOURS OF EATING

Yoga should be done minimum after 3 hours of meals. Workout or yoga is a complete “NO” after meals as it disturbs the digestive process and puts pressure on the cardiovascular system as well. One may face problems like obesity, indigestion, acidity, bloating etc.

4. WRONG ANGLES AND POSTURES

Always take expert advice for performing postures correctly or it may lead to a problem instead of gaining benefit. Please inform your teacher about any disease or health issues before beginning your yoga class.

5. INCORRECT BREATHING PATTERN

Correct breathing pattern while performing asanas is very important. The body has its natural inhalation-exhalation rhythm, but many of us have forgotten the same due to which you could be at risk of many problems instead of reaping benefits.