Women's Health

In Focus Balance: Yoga Secrets by Baron Baptiste, Our Favorite Yoga Master

Baron Baptiste
February/March 2005

Stick With It
My feet sweat during class. How can I stop sliding off mats? - Pepper S., Phoenix, AZ

Some mats are very sticky, and stay that way when you sweat. Others get very slippery.

If your mat isn't sticky to the touch, trade up for a new one. Either way, try folding the last foot of your mat over so that you have extra cushion to help lock your feet in place. You could also place a towel under your hands or feet to absorb sweat.

Zen Mother
I'm 2 months pregnant and have been doing yoga twice a week. Are there any poses I should avoid? - Jamie P., Boston, MA

Pass on postures that require you to contract or twist your abs, like the boat and revolved triangle, or poses that require you to lie on your belly, like locust. You'll also need to modify standing poses: Widen your stance to create space for your belly. These changes might seem limiting, but keep up with your yoga: You'll bounce back at a strong fitness level postpregnancy. Learning to focus on your breathing will also help in the delivery room.

Tricky Knee
Some standing poses, like triangle, pinch my inner back knee. How can I change it?

It sounds like you're hyperextending your knee. Contract the muscles of your back leg to keep your knee from getting too straight. The isometric squeeze will also tone and strengthen those muscles, so they can better support your knee. You can also relieve pressure by lifting the arch-side of your back foot and pressing the outer side into the floor.

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