Motivation: Why Do People Quit Yoga?

Motivation for yoga during pregnancy

Sooner or later, expectant mothers who are beginning their journey with yoga practice start to doubt the necessity of the sessions and the correctness of this lifestyle. Even understanding the importance of exercise for health and the full development of the baby doesn’t seem to be sufficient motivation for yoga. The initial enthusiasm gradually fades away, and under the pressure of skeptical relatives, daily sessions are discontinued.

Motivating oneself to continue the practice, overcoming doubts, and eliminating imaginary obstacles is achievable for every expectant mother. Initially, it’s important to determine the reason behind the reluctance to continue sessions.

Why does motivation for yoga disappear?

Pregnant women, who find it increasingly difficult each day to lay out their mat and dedicate fifteen minutes to performing asanas, will recognize some of the following reasons.

• No desire to change the usual lifestyle. It’s much simpler to get up in the afternoon, devoting free time to shopping and watching TV series with a bun in hand. Especially since friends are doing the same.

• Couldn’t cure ailments and fix body imperfections within a week. We often expect immediate results and are not ready to dedicate time daily to achieve a positive effect in the future.

• Negative attitudes from others. Jealous comments from friends, a spouse’s grumbling about “wasting time,” and simply teasing from people whose opinion matters can completely destroy the motivation to continue practicing yoga.

• The body lacks the strength for workouts. The weight of the growing belly, morning sickness, improper and untimely nutrition, disrupted sleep and rest patterns exhaust the body, leaving no desire or physical capability to devote time to yoga.

• Depression. Comparing oneself to experienced yogis and beginners who have succeeded in mastering complex poses, inevitably creates a sense of inadequacy and inability to achieve the goal.

There are many similar situations that suppress the desire to practice poses daily. The main thing is not to let circumstances prevail over yoga sessions, which benefit the body, improve well-being, and lift the mood.

Recommendations for Increasing Yoga Motivation

Expectant mothers who are beginning to embrace eastern practices should be prepared for the emergence of destructive thoughts and situations that interfere with yoga sessions, which all newcomers encounter at some point. Simple secrets and tips from experienced yogis will help you overcome doubts and strengthen your commitment to continuing training.

• Find a workout partner. A friend who is passionate about eastern practices can be a great motivation for daily joint sessions. By helping each other master poses, encouraging, and praising for achievements, it becomes easier to succeed and overcome the urge to quit exercising.

• Treat yourself to new sports equipment. Buying workout clothes or a yoga mat serves as an excellent incentive to continue practicing and mastering new poses.

• Choose a role model. An exemplary figure who has achieved significant success in perfecting their body and improving their health through yoga, whether a real person from a yoga center or a virtual idol from online yoga videos, will provide inspiration and become a motivating factor for further exercises.

• Change your daily routine and habits. Waking up early invigorates the body, fills you with energy for physical activity. Proper nutrition, adequate rest, and walks in nature strengthen health and provide strength for yoga practice. Giving up bad habits and distancing yourself from negatively inclined people fosters spiritual development and strengthens the will for yoga practice.

• Record your progress. By capturing yourself while mastering poses on photo or video, document the journey towards perfecting the asanas. Such documentary proof helps to evaluate the significance of the work done and its outcome.

• Make your sessions diverse. Repeating the same set of exercises at home every day can turn yoga practice into a routine task. Master various asanas, use video courses for training, practice outdoors, and gain energy and new positive experiences from your practice.

Do not forget about maintaining a positive mindset. Try to think about your successes, the benefits of yoga for your baby’s development and strengthening your own health, praise yourself for your accomplishments, communicate with optimistic people to “charge” yourself with their energy and desire to act. Proper yoga, motivation, and a well-selected “antidepressant” will help you overcome laziness and despondency, and continue practicing to achieve harmony of body and soul.