Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.
I’ve been trying to ease myself back into yoga after a long break, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel this tough. My body feels stiffer than I remember, and even short beginner sessions leave me more tired than I thought they would.
I know yoga is about patience and progress, but part of me worries I’ll never feel as strong and connected as I once did. Did anyone else struggle like this when coming back to their practice?
How did you build consistency again without getting discouraged? I’d really love to hear how others made their way back maybe it’ll help me (and anyone else in the same boat) feel less alone in this stage.
Hatlin, cheers to you for asking and for getting on the mat again at all. When I have a week away or months away, I am shocked at how my body feels like a bunch of very dry and crackly rubber bands twisted in a ball. Remembering that I don’t feel that way when I’m done, or when I am in a regular practice mode, is enough for me to keep going back to any level class. I’m really good with repeatedly returning to maintenance— any progressing is a wonderful extra that shows up later and I’m grateful. I do yoga 3x/wk; weights 2x; cardio 3x… I try to keep yoga is the non-negotiable anchor if I get off course in my plans. I am always just proud of myself just for logging in time caring for my body. I hope you keep on. All the best.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, it really means a lot!
I think you’re right, the hardest part is just showing up again and not overthinking where I “should” be. I love how you called yoga your non-negotiable anchor that’s the kind of mindset I’m trying to build too. I’ll definitely keep going, even if it’s just small steps for now.
Recently my yoga teachers (man and wife team) took three weeks off from teaching. During that three weeks I did little to no yoga at home. Sometimes I think I do things to reassure myself that I am benefitting from what I am doing to stay healthy.
Yep, my back started hurting. I got stiff. I certainly never felt well on the mobility scale.
After classes resumed and we are on a normal schedule, I realized how grateful I am to have such wonderful teachers, and how truly wonderful the (good) pain of stretching is. I have learned through the years to be kind to my body. Embrace gently the restorative properties of yoga practice. Thank God for every day that you are on this side of heaven and in good enough health to practice yoga.
Oh I totally get what you mean! It’s funny how just a little break can make our bodies feel so stiff and cranky, right? I’ve had that same “ouch, why did I stop?” moment too. It really makes you appreciate how much better you feel when you’re consistent. And yes, gentle stretching and being kind to our bodies is everything.
Thank you for your openness, I think that many can relate to this and it is always encouraging to know you are not alone. Coming back to mat or any activity we have been away from can be challenging in the beginning. What you do have as an asset that a true beginner does not, is that you know how good it can feel when you get back to being stronger and more mobile. That memory can be motivation to keep going and to remember that every practice is getting you one step closer to the way you want to be feeling. Millimeter miracles.
Namaste to you too!