Overcoming Obstacles to Practicing Yoga

by | Jan 22, 2025 | 0 comments

Overcoming Obstacles to Practicing Yoga

In last week’s post, we reflected on our motivation to practice yoga. We explored reasons why we do yoga and what we expect to get out of it. In thinking about these things, we created a list of reasons for taking yoga classes.

Well, that’s all well and good, but what about when you don’t feel like going to class?

Don’t feel like going!?!?! Now, who would ever think something like that…

Obstacles to Yoga

Let’s be honest. Life happens.

You sign up for a six-week yoga session, planning on attending every class. It’s written on your calendar and you’re excited to practice. Then, BAM! Your car breaks down. The dog gets loose. Your kid gets sick. Work runs late. The list can go on and on. How are you ever going to practice yoga when all these things get in your way?

The first thing you need to do to remove obstacles is to be aware of them.

Get out a blank piece of paper or start a new note on your phone. Write down/type out all the reasons (aka, excuses) for not going to yoga. When you think you’re done with the list, keep going. Some obstacles are obvious (e.g., work, family, transportation, weather, etc.). Others, not so much.

Obstacles can be hidden in our subconscious. Those are the obstacles that are likely to sabotage us the most.

Subconscious Sabotage

Before we head into how to meet these obstacles head on, let’s talk a bit about this subconscious sabotage.

We went through this very exercise in one of our recent yoga classes. Before class, we asked our students what gets in the way of practicing yoga. Each student thought about this on their own and brought their reasons to the group.

Honestly, I was BLOWN AWAY at how honest, articulate, and even vulnerable the group was. Without breaking anyone’s confidence, I’ll just share a bit about what we discussed.

Students explained how they get in their own way. One woman said it was literally her mind. She got home from a rough day at work, changed out of her work outfit, and put on comfy clothes. She said the LAST thing she wanted to do was go back out. Instead, she’d rather stick her butt on the couch and numb out in front of the television.

And, we all agreed. Me included!! There’s been many a time I didn’t want to trek back out into the cold…

What else?

Another student brought up fear versus comfort. Let’s be honest. As human beings, we gravitate towards the familiar. We’d rather be doing what we know or what we’ve done before. This particular student had never been to a yoga class before. So, they’re obstacle literally was the fear of the unknown! How true?!?!!

I think you get the drift… there are certain things that we conjure up in our mental minds that get in the way of our successfully committing to a routine practice. And we all do it. Even me… the teacher!

What’s Next?

So, what’s next with all this? We know our obstacles, but what do we do about them?

Well, we need to tackle them one by one. And we need to do so with grace. We’re all human and life does happen. We need to give ourselves a break if we do miss a class, but at the same time do our very best to mitigate each obstacle (aka, excuse).

Now that you have your list, it’s time to work through each one. Take one at a time and be gentle with yourself if you can’t overcome some of them. Here are a few examples to get you started…

  • Obstacle: Work is always adding more and more to my plate. I can’t get out of work on time, even on the nights I’m supposed to go to yoga.
    • Mitigation: Tell your coworkers (and even your boss) about your commitment. Explain to them that you signed up for a six-week yoga course on Wednesday nights. Ask them if they can help you stay accountable. Remind them it’s only for a set number of dates. And request they please try not to keep you late or add more work on that day of the week for those six weeks.
  • Obstacle: You get home from work and just don’t feel like going back out. It’s dark. You’re tired. You’ll make it up next week.
    • Mitigation: Pack your yoga gear and clothes. Take them with you to work. Make a point to time everything so that you leave work and drive straight to class. Don’t let yourself go home and be tempted not to come back out. It’s only once a week… why not give it a try?
  • Obstacle: I have to make dinner for my family. My husband was going to help out, but now he has to work late. I can’t come to class because I need to take care of my responsibilities at home.
    • Mitigation: Think about putting something into a crockpot on the morning you have yoga. This way, it can cook slowly throughout the day and your family will have something to eat while you’re at your class. Also, communicate with your family up front. Tell them how important this is to your health and wellbeing. Ask for their assistance for the six weeks, telling them it’s not forever.

Overcome Your Obstacles

It takes time. You need to be gentle and patient with yourself. And, you definitely need to sit down and make that list.

Without the list of obstacles staring you in the face, you can come up with any excuse not to make it to class. And your excuses will win.

You need to see your obstacles in black and white. That way, you can tackle them one at a time. Take baby steps. Don’t overdo it. Try to minimize the obstacles as best you can.

Care to join us for a session? We’d love to practice with you! Click here to learn more.

About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, RYT (200) is a holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.

Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach, nature lover, and avid meditator.

Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pups. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, baking, music, and hiking.

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