Symmetry and Yoga

Many yoga poses are symmetrical in nature. Being aware of your body’s symmetry when using the Matrix Mat will naturally allow you to have an equal stretch on both the left and right side of the body. This can help prevent a potential injury if one strains one area of your body more than the other. Additionally, proper symmetry in a pose is especially invaluable for improved spine alignment.

– SAME NUMBERED LINES
– EQUIDISTANT FROM CENTER
– POSE IS CENTERED DOWN MIDDLE OF MAT

Why Symmetry In Yoga Poses Is Important

“In addition to improving cognitive intellect, choosing an ambidextrous approach in your body can reduce injuries. Many injuries that stem from overuse (plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, runner’s knee, etc) are due to asymmetric dependence or mechanical instability. Creating symmetry in your body can provide the advantage of balancing out usage, thereby minimizing injuries. In a yoga class, you may hear the teacher ask you to attempt to move into a pose on the 2nd side to the same degree you did on the first. The teacher is promoting muscular symmetry by asking you to choose to mimic the depth of yoga poses on each side of your body. By balancing out the use of tissues and muscles, you can prevent injuries from the imbalance of depending on your dominant side. I’m not implying that your body is designed symmetrically. No one’s is. But treating it more balanced can help you.”

– By Debbie Siegel, Sivana East