Listen to Yourself

...be it your mind, your emotions or your body. If you're honest, you usually know best when it comes to decisions about yourself.

But today let's talk about your body.

I just read this article on MSN:
Bad karma: When yoga harms instead of heals
Inexperienced teachers and overeager students behind rise in injuries

I can be an overeager student and the article made me think of all the times I'd strained my neck looking too far to the left or to the right because an instructor told me to in the gym. It made me think of how, as I was practicing last night, I felt the same thing starting to happen and I adjusted myself to avoid hurting myself. After reading this, I'm really glad I was aware enough of my body's needs and warning to make that call.

I think one thing many gym buffs (yogi or not) are not aware of is the difference between bad pain and good pain in a workout. Good pain is the discomfort that comes with stretching or warming unused muscles. Bad pain is that sharp one that shouts, "You're going to break something!" When you get the latter one, it's time to take a step back and adjust your workout.

Even a good thing can be bad if you don't pay attention to what you're doing.