The Importance of Savasana
You Asked: Bad to Leave Yoga Class Early?
Dear Fit,
I've been taking a yoga class for about a year with this amazing instructor. We're always trying new poses and I'm soaked with sweat by the end from moving around so much. Plus the next day, I'm really sore so I know I'm working hard. I've been leaving class a little early since the last 10 minutes we just lie on the floor. The last class I went to, the instructor came up to me as I was leaving and said, "I know you've been practicing for a while, and you know what your body needs, but Savasana isn't really optional." I'm wondering what's the point of Savasana? Am I doing my body harm by skipping out, or do you think the instructor just doesn't like me leaving early?
— Not a Fan of Savasana Sarah
I teach and take a lot of yoga classes, and this is a really common question. To find out my take on Savasana read more.
The last pose of class may seem like you're just lying on the floor wasting time, but this relaxing posture is actually really important. Savasana, known as Corpse pose, is a metaphor for dying and then coming back to life. It sounds a little morbid, but think of it as a cat nap. You've worked your muscles hard for an hour or more, and lying down with your body still allows your breath and mind to relax and release any tension. You can meditate if you want to, or just zone out, and sometimes you can get to the point where you're so relaxed that you feel like you're floating. Then when the instructor slowly wakes you up, you feel an amazing combination of serenity and energy.
Your teacher may want you to get as much as you can out of your yoga experience, and that's why she encouraged you to stay. She knows you're probably busy all day long with family, work, and life in general, and this is the one chance you have to be still and re-energize. She may also want you to stay out of respect for others who are lying in Savasana. When you leave the room, it can be really disturbing.
So my advice is to think of Savasana as any other part of class — it's of equal importance to your body and mind. Try to enjoy the stillness and reap the benefits of this relaxing pose.
If you have any other yoga-related questions or stories, share them in FitSugar's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group.
