| There seems to be no single text that lists the | | | | the limits. People can collapse from over exertion |
| contraindications for each Yoga technique; the | | | | while performing standing asanas; especially when |
| reason being - the monumental task of listing, | | | | practicing on warm days, in hot rooms, and in the |
| categorizing, and matching up each technique, with | | | | sun. |
| a corresponding contraindication, would be a feat | | | | Never lock the joints. Hyperextension of any joint |
| that would take years to complete. Therefore, | | | | tends to lead to premature skeletal wear. Who |
| let's look at techniques, in groups, and match | | | | wants arthritis earlier? You should not be locking |
| them to corresponding advice. | | | | joints in any activity, especially Hatha Yoga |
| Standing Postures seem easy enough for most of | | | | practice, which is designed to enhance long term |
| us, but can still be quite challenging for your legs, | | | | health. |
| regardless of age or physical condition. Many | | | | If you have high blood pressure, or heart |
| commonly seen standing poses are Warrior | | | | problems, you should be moderate in your |
| (Virabhadrasana) postures. | | | | practice of standing postures and consult your |
| Here are some cautions, which will open your | | | | physician or cardiologist. Why are there |
| eyes to modify your practice and that of your | | | | precautions here? |
| students. At the same time, always research and | | | | People often hold their breath when practicing |
| remain current in your knowledge of Yoga | | | | strenuous postures. Never hold your breath if you |
| posture contraindications, because medical and | | | | have high blood pressure. Be cautious about |
| sports medical research changes by the day. | | | | keeping the hands over the head for prolonged |
| General Guidelines for all Standing Postures | | | | periods of time. The heart, of a person people |
| If pregnant, do not stand for prolonged periods of | | | | with high blood pressure, pumps less blood with |
| time. If you are in your third trimester, please use | | | | each beat, than someone without high blood |
| a chair and modify your standing and warrior | | | | pressure. |
| poses. Most of all, unless you are an expert | | | | When performing Warrior I, do not look up at |
| teacher, please work with a certified and | | | | your hands if you are experiencing neck problems |
| competent prenatal Yoga teacher specialist. | | | | or have a pre-existing neck injury. Warrior II: |
| Never stiffen, or apply extra isometric force, to | | | | Avoid if you have diarrhea, and do not force your |
| the muscles in your legs and arms. These | | | | head or neck forward, if you have neck problems. |
| postures give wonderful results without pushing | | | | |