Have you ever walked out of a yoga class wondering if you were "doing it right"?

You're not alone.

As a yoga teacher, I see the same three yoga mistakes again and again—not because people aren’t trying, but because they’ve been taught that yoga is about perfect poses, touching their toes, or looking like the person on the mat next to them.

Here’s the good news…

None of those things matter.

Yoga was never meant to be about perfection. It was created to help us become more aware, more present, and more connected to ourselves.

Let’s look at the three most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Holding Your Breath.

Take a moment and think about the last time you were in a difficult pose.

Were you breathing?

Many people unknowingly hold their breath when things become challenging.

The irony is that your breath is your greatest tool.

Your breath:

• Calms your nervous system

• Creates stability

• Helps you move with more ease

• Tells you when you’ve gone too far

  
  

Try this:

The next time you’re practising, ask yourself:

“Can I breathe comfortably here?”

If the answer is no…

Back off slightly.

One of the benefits of Yoga is learning how to Breathe

Mistake 2: Thinking Yoga Is Only About Flexibility.

“I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible.”

If I had R1 for every time I’ve heard that, I’d probably be teaching from Bali all year long!

Here’s the truth:

You don’t become flexible before yoga.

Yoga helps you become more flexible.

But flexibility is only one small part of the practice.

Yoga also develops:

✅ Strength

✅ Balance

✅ Mobility

✅ Better posture

✅ Focus

✅ Confidence

✅ Stress relief

And perhaps most importantly…

A deeper relationship with yourself.

Mistake 3: Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else

This might be the biggest mistake of all.

You look around the room.

Someone is in a handstand.

Someone else is folded in half.

And suddenly you wonder whether you’re “good enough.”

Here’s something I tell every student:

Your yoga practice should never look like someone else’s.

Every body is different.

Every injury is different.

Every day is different.

Your practice changes because you change.

The goal isn’t to perform.

The goal is to connect.

When you stop comparing yourself…

That’s when yoga really begins.

Ask Yourself…

Before your next practice, pause and reflect:

• 🌿 Am I breathing?

• 🌿 Am I listening to my body?

• 🌿 Am I practising for myself—or for someone else?

These three simple questions can completely transform your yoga practice.

Want to Take Your Practice Deeper?

If you’re ready to experience yoga beyond the physical poses, I’d love to practise with you.

🌴 Join me in Bali

Imagine starting your morning with yoga overlooking the lush jungle of Ubud, enjoying nourishing meals, immersing yourself in Balinese culture, and giving yourself the space to truly reconnect.

Whether you’re travelling alone or with a friend, this retreat is designed to leave you feeling stronger, calmer, and inspired.

✨ Daily yoga✨ Meditation✨ Balinese ceremonies✨ Beautiful accommodation✨ Time to rest, explore and reconnect

👉 Learn more about my Bali Yoga Retreat and reserve your place today.

Practise With Me at Home

Can’t make it to Bali?

No problem.

I upload free yoga classes on YouTube ranging from gentle beginner sessions to stronger flows, mobility, Yin Yoga, and tutorials to help you build confidence in your practice.

👉 Subscribe to my YouTube channel and practise with me anytime, anywhere.

Ready to Experience Yoga for Yourself?

Reading about yoga is one thing. Experiencing it is another.

Whether you’re completely new to yoga or have been practising for years, I’d love to welcome you into one of my classes.

At My Space Yoga, I offer a supportive, welcoming environment where you’ll learn to move with confidence, breathe with awareness, and reconnect with yourself—without worrying about being “good enough.”

Classes are suitable for all levels, and every practice can be adapted to meet you exactly where you are.