At Woodside, we believe that yoga is a practice rooted in holistic wellness. Originally practiced in India to connect the body, mind and spirit, it’s now embraced around the world as a path to well-being. With its blend of physical poses (asanas), breathwork (pranayama) and meditation, yoga can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.
Like any discipline, it’s easy to make beginner mistakes when starting out. To support your yoga journey, we’ve put together a guide highlighting the most common missteps new students make and how to avoid them to stay on the right path.
Prioritizing Form Over Function
As a beginner, it’s important to acknowledge that you’re just getting started. Don’t try to master everything in the first week. Many beginners focus too much on perfecting poses, as if they’re auditioning to be celebrity yoga instructors, instead of tuning into how the movement feels. Yes, form matters, but expecting perfection overnight won’t lead to lasting results. Instead, focus on how each pose functions. Pay attention to how the breath and movement work together to create an internal experience, this awareness will naturally improve your form over time.
Holding The Breath
Breathing is just as essential as movement in yoga, yet many beginners overlook it. Yoga emphasizes deep, rhythmic breathing that aligns with movement. Holding your breath disrupts the flow, creating tension and blocking energy. While certain breathing holds (kumbhaka) are used in advanced practices, in most cases, you should avoid holding your breath. To build healthy habits, it’s best to learn from a qualified yoga instructor, like the ones you’ll find at Woodside’s yoga classes in Kansas City.
Pushing Yourself Too Hard
Even the most seasoned yogis took years to build their practice. They didn’t push beyond their limits, they progressed with patience. It’s important to start with the basics, lay a strong foundation and gradually work your way up. Skipping ahead too quickly can lead to injury. Listen to your body, honor your current limits and focus on building strength and flexibility over time. Remember: consistency beats intensity.
Not Activating The Core
Engaging your core is vital in nearly every physical activity, including yoga. The core includes the deep abdominal muscles, lower back, obliques and the muscles around the hips and glutes. Activating these muscles during yoga supports spinal alignment, balance and posture. Neglecting your core can lead to poor form, strain and even injury. Learning how to engage it properly is key to a safe and effective practice.
Doing Yoga On A Full Stomach
With the exception of a few post-meal poses like Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach or after eating something light. Practicing with a full stomach can interfere with digestion and make you feel uncomfortable or sluggish. It may also limit your ability to move freely or breathe deeply. To avoid nausea, bloating, or general discomfort, time your meals mindfully before class.
Doing Selected Yoga Positions Only
Yoga isn’t about mastering a handful of poses, it’s a lifelong journey. While it’s fine to start with beginner-friendly postures, staying in your comfort zone too long can limit your progress. There are many styles of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Yin, Restorative and more, each offering different benefits. Rather than skipping from beginner to advanced poses too quickly, build a foundation first and then explore other types and levels of practice.
Woodside: Your Path To A Higher Self Through Yoga
Yoga offers remarkable benefits for your body, mind and spirit. It’s an ancient practice, but it remains incredibly effective in modern life. If you’ve just joined a yoga classes in Kansas City, or are thinking about starting, Woodside is here to support your journey, with guidance, structure and community.
We offer nearly 40 yoga classes a week across a variety of styles and levels, designed for all experience levels. Whether you’re laying a foundation, exploring restorative practices, or building strength in Ashtanga, we’ve got a class for you.
If you’re ready to transform your wellness routine and embrace a time-tested practice that supports modern living, reach out to us today. Let Woodside help you build a stronger, more centered self. Contact us to learn more about how this traditional practice can help ease the stress and challenges of modern life.
