The Power of Modifications in Your Yoga Practice
Yoga is often seen as a practice of strength, flexibility, and endurance, but what happens when your body or mind isn’t quite up to those high standards? Maybe you’re feeling a little more fatigued, experiencing an injury, or just not feeling motivated. It’s easy to think that modifying your practice means you’re “not doing it right” or that you’re somehow falling short. In reality, modifying your yoga practice is an incredibly intelligent way to honor where you are in the moment.
Modifying is Not a Sign of Weakness – It’s an Act of Self-Care
One of the most empowering aspects of yoga is that it invites you to listen to your body and meet yourself where you are, regardless of external expectations. Modifying does not mean you’re less than, or not as good, or not as capable. It simply means you’re being kind to yourself. Every day your body may feel different. Some days you may feel strong, flexible, and energetic; other days, you may feel more tired, sore, or even a bit emotionally drained. Modifying your practice allows you to adapt and still enjoy the benefits of yoga without pushing your limits too far.
How to Modify Your Practice
1. Use Props to Support Your Practice
Props like blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters can be incredibly helpful in modifying your yoga poses. They give you the support you need, help you find proper alignment, and allow you to go deeper into stretches without strain. Blocks can elevate your hands or feet in poses like forward folds or lunges, while straps can help you reach your arms for deeper stretches in poses like seated forward bends. Bolsters can also help create a more restful or restorative experience by providing extra cushioning and support in poses like supported child’s pose.
2. Slow Down and Focus on Breath
Yoga is about connecting movement to breath. If you’re feeling less energetic, you might choose to slow down your practice and focus more on your breath. Hold poses for longer and allow yourself time to settle into each movement. This will not only give you a chance to recover but also enhance the meditative aspect of yoga, which can be incredibly grounding and centering.
3. Adapt Poses to Suit Your Body
Don’t be afraid to modify poses to suit your body’s needs. For example, if you’re feeling tight or sore, consider doing poses with bent knees instead of straight legs. In Downward Dog, you can keep your knees slightly bent to release any tension in your hamstrings or lower back. If you’re dealing with an injury, try practicing gentler variations of poses or skip certain postures that might exacerbate discomfort. Your body will always tell you what feels right—just pay attention and honor those signals.
4. Take Child’s Pose or Savasana Whenever Needed
If your energy is low, or you simply need a moment to rest, Child’s Pose is an excellent option. It’s a restorative posture that allows you to reconnect with your breath and relax into your body. Similarly, if you’re feeling fatigued at any point during your practice, don’t hesitate to take Savasana, even before the end of the session. A few minutes of lying still and breathing deeply can help restore your energy and leave you feeling more balanced.
The Beauty of Modifications
Modifying your yoga practice teaches you to approach each day with compassion and mindfulness. It’s about releasing the pressure to “perform” and instead, allowing yourself the space to listen, adjust, and evolve. Sometimes the most powerful practice is the one where you simply meet your body where it’s at, using props and modifications to support your practice, rather than pushing it beyond its current limits.
At True North Yoga, we encourage all of our students to embrace modifications and trust that every practice is perfect just as it is. Whether you’re coming in feeling strong and vibrant or you’re dealing with lower energy or an injury, modifying your practice ensures that yoga remains accessible, healing, and supportive for every body, every day.
Remember, yoga is not about being perfect; it’s about being present and honoring yourself. So, don’t be afraid to modify your practice—it’s one of the most loving and intelligent ways to practice yoga.
