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I'm new to yoga and I keep getting injuries - first my lower back, then a groin strain and now my inner arch (foot). What am I doing wrong???? I am in a beginners class, but everyone is better than me. (I'm the old guy in the back struggling to keep inline with everybody ). I try hard but oftentimes I feel like I'm rushing to keep up! What can you suggest?

Hi Timmy! Thanks for sharing your experience, I am sure many of us will know what you are talking about.
I would suggest that you listen to your body and work with your current possibilities and within your current limits.
It DOES NOT matter what everybody does and how they look like in the class!!!! You do the practice for yourself, not for the fellow students nor the teacher.

Originally, yoga was taught one to one. It is only in the last century when the group yoga classes started. It is therefore very likely that it will not suit each and every person in the class, because everybody is unique. You too!!!

If you need a rest in between some poses, please take it. Simply remain standing in the mountain pose (tadasana) or lie down in child's pose. It is not a sign of weakness, but the opposite! There is no need for you to rush nor to push yourself too hard.
My teacher always says that yoga is an inside job. You do not need to match the teacher's pose nor any photo in a book, nor the pace of the class! It just needs to work for you.

Wow...viparita...thats a great solution...i beileve most of us can benefit from that...!

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Peace

Man Timmy, you have to breathe! Yoga isn't a competitive sport Seriously, there is no way that you should be hurtin' so bad, so listen to Viparita (great answer btw) back off, listen to your body - hang out in childs pose if it gets too much. Talk to your teacher too, she must know that you're struggling and ask her to suggest modifications to poses that suit you. Injuries are a sign that you're over doing it so don't go at it so hard!!

This is good, thanks for advice, it's great. I've got to stop for a few weeks till my arch gets better... (maybe I'll have to find a 'beginner beginners' class out there somewhere ) I don't know, I'm thinking I may be too old for yoga!

Dear Timmy. I do not believe you can be too old for yoga. As my teacher says, anybody who can breathe can do yoga!!!

If you find that the class environment does not suit you, you might consider investing in a couple of private sessions where a teacher would develop a practice especially for you that you could then do at home.
All the best and definitely stay with your yoga practice, it's great that you do it!!

No way too old - this is where the fun stuff starts! Hang in there - it does get easier!!!

OK....I'll give it another go - when my body is happier

Timmy, when you're ready you might want to try the tennis ball foot-rolling thing. From your obstacles it sounds like the lower body and legs may be tight (the upper may need untightening too, who knows). By releasing the plantar fascia (inter-muscle webbing in the foot that connects all the way up the legs) as well as doing simple stretches for the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, glutes and hip muscles outside or before class, you'll be in a better position to get the most out of your beginner classes without the thought of 'what's gonna pop/crick/boing this time.'

Maybe the releasing series Pawanmuktasana can help you as well. You don't have to abstain totally from yoga while you recuperate, in fact by working intelligently 'around' them you'll increase your chances and rate of recovery. I would also join the others in saying that you are never too old to rock and roll