How to prevent hamstring strains in yoga?
• Make sure you are slightly warmed up before going deeply into poses that require hamstrings. This can mean rubbing your legs and warming them up if you come from the cold outside before jumping into a yoga class. This might also mean stretching lightly before class- this can make a big difference in waking up your muscles. • Alert the teacher at the beginning of class that you have an injury. Ask that the teacher keep an eye on you while you practice to ensure that you are not holding a posture that will exacerbate the problem. • Follow an exercise program aimed at stretching and strengthening your leg muscles, especially your hamstring muscles. • Listen to your body! Never push your body or your muscles beyond where they are at on that day. This is especially important in yoga, as it is easy to become frustrated when you feel less flexible one day versus the next. However, honoring where your body is at is essential for a healthy yoga practice.
