Why is yoga so
unrelaxing for me?

Answered by Kathleen Kastner, owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO.

I recently started a yoga class at our local YMCA. I find the class to be almost grueling and not very relaxing at all. We do pretty basic poses, but I am sore for two or three days afterwards. Will it get better or am I just too old (I’m 57)? I have been twice a week for a couple of weeks, and I do not look forward to going back. Any suggestions?

You are never too old to improve your yoga practice, so keep the faith in your body and the process of yoga. Your body has experienced lots of stress, tension, and perhaps trauma over the span of 57 years, so it is going to take some time and dedication to undo all the years of doing. Yoga is hard for everyone in the beginning, because the body basically begins to realign itself, which can be intense. If you can continue to go to your class twice a week, or more, on a regular basis and really breathe into your poses, you will eventually move past some of your initial aches and fee freedom in your body. If that doesn't work, don't give up on yoga--consider looking for a gentler class until your body has adapted to the practice. There are many styles of yoga and big differences between instructors, so you'll find one that works for you and helps your body feel better than ever.
 

Kathleen Kastner has been teaching ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga for ten years and is also the owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO.

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