Allison Lubben Yoga

🧘‍♂️ Yoga Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Starting a yoga practice is a beautiful commitment to your well-being—but it can also feel overwhelming. From trying to perfect every pose to feeling unsure if you’re “doing it right,” it’s easy to fall into beginner traps that may hinder your progress or even lead to injury.

Here are the top mistakes beginners make in yoga—and how to avoid them so you can enjoy your practice with more ease, confidence, and joy.

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1. Pushing Too Hard, Too Soon

Trying to “keep up” with the class or forcing your body into deep stretches can lead to injury and burnout.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Start slow. Focus on form and breath before depth or intensity. Respect your body’s current limits—they’ll evolve with time.

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2. Comparing Yourself to Others

It’s tempting to glance around the room or scroll Instagram and feel like you’re not flexible or strong enough.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Stay focused inward. Everyone’s journey is unique. Progress in yoga is personal and doesn’t always show on the outside.

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3. Forgetting to Breathe

Many beginners hold their breath without realizing it, especially in challenging poses.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Anchor your movement to your breath. Inhale to lengthen, exhale to deepen. Conscious breathing transforms your practice.

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4. Avoiding Props

Using blocks or straps isn’t “cheating”—it’s smart and safe. In fact, I use yoga blocks all the time in my personal practice.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Use props to support healthy alignment. They make poses more accessible and allow you to feel the full benefit of each posture.

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5. Skipping Savasana

The final resting pose is often rushed or skipped—but it’s where real integration happens.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Commit to staying for the entire class, including savasana. It calms your nervous system and helps your body absorb what you’ve practiced.

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6. Being Inconsistent

You don’t need to practice every day, but sporadic attendance won’t yield long-term benefits.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Start with short, regular online yoga sessions—even 15 minutes 2-3 times a week. Build from there.

You can find a variety of free online yoga class lengths and themes on my YouTube Channel or join me for free live yoga sessions on Insight Timer

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7. Choosing the Wrong Class

Jumping into a fast-paced or advanced class too early can feel intimidating.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Seek out beginner-friendly, gentle, or slow flow classes. If you go into a studio, don’t hesitate to tell the teacher you’re new—they’ll help guide you safely.

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8. Focusing Only on the Physical

Yoga is more than just poses. It’s also breath, stillness, mindfulness, and inner awareness.

🛠️ How to Avoid It:
Explore yoga’s other dimensions—like pranayama, meditation, or journaling. The richness of yoga lies beyond the mat.

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🌿 Final Words: Be Kind to Yourself

Mistakes are part of the learning process. What matters most is showing up, being curious, and treating yourself with compassion. Your yoga journey is uniquely yours—there’s no need to force or compare.

So take a breath, roll out your mat, and remember: you’re exactly where you need to be.

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✅ Pro Tips for New Yogis:

• Wear comfortable clothing you can move in
• Don’t eat a big meal right before class
• Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in
• Let your teacher know it’s your first time
• Keep a yoga journal to reflect on your journey

You don’t have to practice alone. Join our growing yoga community:

• ✉️ Subscribe to the blog for weekly inspiration
  
• 📺 Follow along on YouTube for all levels and beginner-friendly videos
  
• 🕊 Practice live with me on Insight Timer – let’s breathe together in real-time.
  • You can find my free online yoga class schedule here
• Connect with me, whether it’s a virtual individual or group private lesson or meeting up in real life.
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