Each new level starts with soreness

Your Asana Practice
1

Hi,

I’ve been doing yoga for almost 14 years. One thing I have noticed in my practice is that right b/4 I get to a new level of fitness I experience some achiness. (Sp?)
A few years ago I went from doing Int II levels to always Int III’s with an advanced level thrown in one day. When I did that man could I feel it in certain areas. Sternum. Lower back. Triceps. And then soon it all calmed down to no soreness. Just good feelings.
Recently I’ve been really hitting the side twists to increase my flexibility. My upper back and shoulders are now feeling it. Not to where I’m incapacitated. Those areas are just letting me know things are changing.
So I’ve heard people say that yoga should not be painful. I agree to an extent but my experience has been that if I want to increase my fitness and flexibility there is always a payment to be made. No pain no gain as they say.

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Great Reflection Jim, I always say that soreness is an indication from the muscle that you have pushed it slightly passed what it is used to doing. That is the definition of growth, going just past your last level of capacity. I would venture to say that most of the time, your practice should leave you feeling more liberated and less stiff. Occasionally when you do take it up a notch there should be a sensation that affirms that!

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Agreed! I guess I’m saying that being a bit achey shouldn’t be feared. It’s a sign of accomplishment.

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