Do you find yourself in downward dog, wondering if you’re doing it ‘right’? Has your quest for the perfect pose led you to question the instructions that are repeated like mantras in every yoga class?
Are you guilty of “breathing into your belly” or “relaxing your glutes” in your backbends, only to find that your lower back is paying the price? If so, you’re not alone. It turns out, some of the most common yoga instructions might not be as beneficial—or anatomically sound—as you’ve been led to believe.
Meet Meredith Witte, an exercise physiologist and yoga teacher, who’s here to set the record straight. “The glutes are the primary driver of your hips up away from the floor,” she says, warning that “relaxing” them in backbends can actually lead to lower back pain.
But it’s not just about what you do; it’s also about what you don’t do. Witte explains that misunderstandings about breathwork can lead to unnecessary abdominal tension, counteracting the calming effects of yoga. And as for that pillow under your butt in pigeon pose? It might offer temporary comfort, but it doesn’t address the root cause of your tight hips.
So, what’s a yoga practitioner to do? Start by questioning the status quo. Instead of “breathing into your belly,” feel your ribcage expand. Instead of passively relaxing your muscles, engage them to support your spine. And instead of relying on props to make poses ‘feel’ better, seek to understand and improve your body’s unique movement patterns.
In a world of fitness trends and fads, yoga stands out as a practice that’s both ancient and ever-evolving. By debunking these myths, we can embrace a more mindful, effective practice—one that’s rooted in the wisdom of the body.
Are you ready to refine your yoga practice, to go deeper into the poses you love, and to discover new ones without the confusion?
Because when it comes to your yoga mat, the truth will set you free—free to move with intention, to breathe with depth, and to find alignment that’s truly your own. Your subscription is your key to a world of wellness without the wobble.
