“In my 30+ years of observation, I have seen that most people taking their first Bikram Yoga class are suffering from bad body mechanics and postural dysfunction. Each human body has a specific design template. Muscles work in pairs in order for the body to execute any movement or even to maintain an upright posture against the forces of gravity. Any imbalance in the dynamic tension between the posterior or erector muscles and the anterior or flexor muscles will compromise the vertical loading on the weight bearing joints. This creates unnatural wear and tear and ultimately disease and pain.”
~ Emmy Cleaves, Former Principal Teacher, Bikram’s Yoga College of India Headquarters
It doesn’t matter what your starting point is, my friend, just look for improvement over time. Don’t let yourself get discouraged by noting how far you have to go. Instead, focus on using precision with your alignment and let the incremental changes in depth be your validation that you’re heading in the right direction.
With everything you undertake in life, my friend, let there be less emphasis on reaching the destination and more on appreciating the journey.