Advanced Yoga Practitioners
We aim to reach the advanced level when we start yoga. It takes time to develop expertise and master your muscles and brain to get to that stage.
Many people lose motivation and feel discouraged as they advance in the yoga journey. If you feel intimidated – it means there is a mistake in the approach and mindset.
Practice makes a man perfect. The same principle applies to yoga training. You need a proper plan, guidance, and good company to get you on this life-changing journey.
Advanced yoga practice gets easy with beneficial tips. If you want to be called an advanced yoga practitioner – follow the tips in the article and see success.
Before learning tips, first dive into the meaning of advanced yoga.
What is Advanced Yoga?
Nowadays, the term advanced yoga is very shallow. A person who can do complex yoga poses is considered an advanced yoga practitioner. Advanced yoga is not a race to win but a lifestyle to adopt.
The real essence of advanced yoga is to be fully aware of yoga practice. You feel a sense of tranquility and calmness as you step into the yoga mat. All three aspects of yoga (physical postures, breathing movements, meditation) align perfectly.
Advanced yoga makes you physically strong and flexible. It teaches you how to cope with difficult life circumstances – and gives you mental peace and stability.
Tips for Advanced Yoga Practitioners
Here are 8 beneficial tips for an advanced yoga practitioner.
1. Break Down the Complex Yoga Poses
Advanced yoga poses are intimidating and take years to reach perfection. It needs physical strength, flexibility, smooth movement, and awareness of the soul and mind.
When students go through a difficult lesson – the teacher advises them to break the lesson into chunks, understand, and learn. The same technique goes for complex yoga poses.
You can break the yoga pose into different components and focus on one element at a time. Take it as a puzzle and assemble the parts one by one. Practice forward bend, stability, leg twist, and weight shifting techniques separately to master the yoga pose having these elements.
2. Hold Poses for Longer
Advanced yoga practitioners not only practice yoga poses but are also aware of the technique to hold them for longer. The benefits of remaining in the same positions are better alignment, enhanced stability, improved focus and concentration.
Set a goal to hold a yoga pose for a few seconds and then increase the period with time. Push your boundaries and strive towards continuous progress with each passing day.
You will find yourself more relaxed, energized, and focused during yoga sessions. Time factor is crucial for physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
3. Use Props Creatively
Advanced yoga practitioners don’t hop directly into difficult asanas. Rather, they practice with the help of props. Props can be your best friend in yoga as they help you reach your goal with ease and comfort.
Examples of different props are blocks, straps, pillows, blankets, knee pads, chairs, wedges, etc. These props give flexibility, activate muscles, and help in alignment.
These props also save you from physical injuries by providing support to the body parts. You can meditate for a longer period using props. The relaxation and comfort will bring out the true meaning of yoga in daily practice.
4. Supplement Yoga Practice
Yoga done on a yoga mat only for half an hour doesn’t give much benefit. It is a practice that stays with you all day long. Make your planner and add things that supplement the yoga practice.
A balanced and nutritional diet is necessary for a healthy and active mind and body. Supplementing yoga practice with gym exercise for enhanced muscles and increased flexibility is a great decision.
You will see these elements in the life of an advanced yoga practitioner that supports yoga exercises. It ensures that your body stays fit and you achieve a perfect balance in life.
5. Embrace your Mistakes
One of the main habits of an advanced yoga practitioner is learning to embrace mistakes. You may trip and fall into injury many times during practice. Self-confidence is the key that gets you going.
You need to get up and come back stronger every time. Analyze your deficiencies, work toward them, and seek improvement. Take guidance from teachers and senior students, read books, and understand the essence of yoga.
You shouldn’t feel offended and embarrassed when someone points out a flaw in practice – take it as a learning opportunity. Yoga teaches humbleness by cultivating the sense of acknowledging mistakes.
6. Learn about Traditional Yoga
Modern yoga has simplified things and turned yoga into a physical exercise. The true values and essence of yoga aren’t there anymore.
However, it’s crucial to restore the traditional practices to bring liveliness to the yoga routine. Advanced yoga practitioner always seeks knowledge and find ways to incorporate real teachings into their practice.
There are different resources i.e., books, journals, and articles that emphasize on the importance of traditional yoga to restore old practices.
These simple teachings will change your perspective of life. Your body, mind, and soul will be more aware of the healing effects of yoga.
7. Give Yourself Time to Heal
The advanced yoga poses can lead to fatigue and sore muscles. Poor posture or lack of practice can cause muscle injuries. Our body needs time to heal and build endurance.
The pain in the body dulls the willpower to do yoga consistently. The practice shouldn’t be a burden – enjoy it and fully embark on the journey.
One of the most valuable advice you might hear from an advanced yoga practitioner is to take a rest. Having quality sleep gives enough time for the body to relax. You should do challenging yoga poses on alternate days.
8. Make Suitable Adjustments
You might see advanced yoga practitioners come up with new techniques and poses. If you assume that you have to copy the exact posture shown in a video – you might be considering the wrong approach.
Everybody has different strengths and flexibility. For some people, a particular yoga pose is a piece of cake, while for others it seems impossible.
You don’t need to imitate others – take inspiration and make changes that suit your style. Understand your physical, spiritual, and mental state and do what works best for you. Learn modifications and apply them to maximize your experience with yoga.
Conclusion
Advanced yoga gives you physical strength, emotional stability, and a peaceful life. Adding yoga to a health routine is one of the best decisions. It increases mindfulness and serves as therapy after a long tiring day.
Some people don’t fully understand advanced yoga. It is important to know the importance and right approach to appreciate the benefits. Aligned physical movements, relaxation, meditation, and breathing movements cover aspects of your health.
Advanced yoga looks like a challenge to many people. However, there are many tips to make the practice fun and easy. I hope this article elevates your yoga experience with the help of tips.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.