Many people do not realize that you can see if a person is working at the right yoga level for them. There are five ways to know if you are at the right level for your body.
Discomfort or Pain
Many people think that pain is there to be ignored as it means you are progressing, this is actually a sign that the intensity is too high. Feeling a stretch or fatigue during the poses is perfectly normal and means that you are on the right level. Do not force yourself to go to far. Rather, take the cue from your body and rest for a couple minutes.
Neck and Shoulder Tension
When you stretch your body too far, the muscles tend to tense up as a defense mechanism. You will know that you are within your comfort level if you can perform the pose and slowly relax your muscles. However, if you are not able to relax your muscles, then you should skip the pose or go with a lighter version of the pose to keep from injuring yourself.
Heavy Breathing
Listening to the breath is a good indication of whether you are at the right level. You want your breathing to be even throughout the poses. Holding your breath or heavy breathing is a sign that it is too difficult.
Your Face
If you cringe while doing a pose, then chances are that it is too difficult. Rather than trying to make your face relax while doing yoga, you should go for poses that you can do without trying to make your face relax.
Distortions in the Body
While there are some ways that yoga poses can be modified for experience levels, if you cannot get into the pose and have it look right, it is too difficult for you. When this happens not only are working at a level that is too difficult for you but can actually injure yourself. If this happens, your yoga instructor should be able to give you an easier variation or simply sit out from the pose and pick up with the next one.
