Possibly dumb yoga question

[wingingitinmotown]

At my counselor's suggestion, I'm going to start doing yoga a couple of times a week. I went for my first class last night (candlelight...it was amazingly relaxing) and loved it! But I noticed this morning that my knee caps are sore, red, and swollen from doing some of the poses on my knees. It looks like a rug burn almost. Did I do something the wrong way, or is there a way to prevent that? Thicker mat maybe? TIA!

[wingingitinmotown]

I have a relatively inexpensive mat that I bought years ago and never used...I think it's a Gaiam brand, but I'm not 100% sure. I was wearing pants, but not traditional "yoga pants."

[lovelybb]

I bought mine at Target... works just fine!!

[udscoobychick]

Thank you for reminding me that I needed to get one! Just ordered one on Amazon for ~$20. They have a good selection of ones in that general price range that are pretty highly rated.

[bullygirl979]

Aug 31, 2012 8:32:08 GMT -5 calle28 said:

while we're on the subject, can anybody recommend a good yoga mat that isn't insanely expensive. please don't say luluemon. can i get a good one at target?

I ordered one off Amazon. It is Wai Lana brand. It is really thick and I love it!

[explorer2001]

Your knees could be because of rubbing on your pants. Yoga pants are super soft. If you wore jeans I could see rubbing your knees raw.

Thicker mats can be comfy but they can also make positions harder because the cushion of the mat introduces instability.
There was a decent starter set at Sports Authority when I was last there. It had a mat, strap and two blocks. It might have had a DVD too. Anyway I always have a 20% off coupon from the Wednesday coupon mailer or Sunday paper for Sports Authority, you might want to check for that too.

[wingingitinmotown]

Aug 31, 2012 9:59:00 GMT -5 explorer2001 said:

Your knees could be because of rubbing on your pants. Yoga pants are super soft. If you wore jeans I could see rubbing your knees raw.

Thicker mats can be comfy but they can also make positions harder because the cushion of the mat introduces instability.
There was a decent starter set at Sports Authority when I was last there. It had a mat, strap and two blocks. It might have had a DVD too. Anyway I always have a 20% off coupon from the Wednesday coupon mailer or Sunday paper for Sports Authority, you might want to check for that too.

Thanks! I didn't even think about a thicker mat adding instability. I barely have any balance as it is, so that's the last thing I need. These weren't jeans, but they probably weren't as soft as yoga pants either. Maybe I'll start with new yoga pants then go from there.

[usedtobebear]

Hmmm, that is a little strange. I use two yoga mats, and a lot of times on the knees you fold over your mat for added support. Do you have bad knees? Hopefully, it's just a one time deal and doesn't continue to happen. Keep going to yoga for sure, it helps me immensely!

[wingingitinmotown]

Aug 31, 2012 10:09:23 GMT -5 usedtobebear said:

Hmmm, that is a little strange. I use two yoga mats, and a lot of times on the knees you fold over your mat for added support. Do you have bad knees? Hopefully, it's just a one time deal and doesn't continue to happen. Keep going to yoga for sure, it helps me immensely!

My knee joint isn't hurting...just the skin on the outside like a rug burn. It's quite possible that I was just doing something strange due to lack of muscle control...I haven't worked out in a while so I struggled through a few of the poses! I'm going to get some new pants and see if that helps.

I might try to fold the mat on some of the poses regardless though. It's a great idea that I never would have thought of!