Yoga is a very personal practice. What's safe and effective for one person may not be safe or effective for another. While most yoga poses are completely safe, it's important to listen to your body and set your own limits as you go.

 

For instance, if you have low back issues, you may need to ask your teacher for modifications to basic poses like the standing forward fold or plow pose. And if you're starting a home-based yoga practice, it's particularly important to brush up on poses that are riskiest for beginners so you don't try something you're not ready for.

 

Just because poses like handstand and crow are popular to show off on Instagram, that doesn't mean you're ready to try them. Many yoga poses require substantial strength and balance that takes time to develop. Start by developing a basic practice and give yourself time to work up from there.

 

If you struggle through longer practices, don't be embarrassed. Many new yogis are surprised by how challenging yoga can be. Take breaks in child's pose whenever you need to, and if you'd like, practice beginner yoga poses designed to help build strength when you have a few minutes on your own. Before you know it, you'll be able to make it through a whole class like a champ.