How do I practice yoga with glasses?
oga is a transformative practice with the power to enhance our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With a dedicated space, different poses, and consistency, you can improve your flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life through regular yoga practice. Starting is as easy as taking classes or attending retreats, but you can also choose to read books and watch videos on yoga while practicing at home.
However, navigating the world of yoga can be challenging for those who wear eyeglasses. The presence of glasses might create a barrier to confidently practicing yoga. Thankfully, there are practical solutions to help you comfortably incorporate yoga into your life.
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Valuable Tips for Doing Yoga With Glasses
Find the right glasses
When it comes to practicing yoga with glasses, finding the right pair can make a significant difference. It’s worth considering getting a pair of glasses made from lightweight materials such as plastic so that they are less likely to drop off when you execute demanding poses. You can also request that the lenses be “thinned,” which is the process of reducing the thickness of glasses lenses.
Some dedicated yogis may choose to customize their frames or have glasses professionally fitted. This can involve adjustments to the glasses’ side arms (also known as temples). However, it’s important to ensure that the glasses are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and could potentially give you a headache during your workout. A professional optician can help you find the right balance between a secure fit and overall comfort.
Otherwise, some brands specifically cater to active lifestyles, such as Oakley or Roka that come with grip technology on the temples and nose pads. This helps the frames stick to your face even as you sweat, preventing your glasses from slipping during poses.
Use a strap for added security
Eyeglasses straps, also known as eyewear retainers, are a great accessory to consider when practicing yoga with glasses. These straps loop around the back of your head, providing a secure fit and preventing your glasses from falling off or moving around during dynamic movements. They are especially useful for individuals who engage in more vigorous yoga or who sweat during practice.
When selecting an eyeglasses strap, look for options that use comfortable and stretchable materials, such as neoprene or cotton. Brands like Uke or Chum Original offer adjustable straps in such materials, namely neoprene and cotton. These can be customized to your liking, ensuring less discomfort or fewer distractions during your yoga sessions. The strap will keep your glasses in place, allowing you to focus on your practice without worrying about your eyewear.
Consider contact lenses for added convenience
Contact lenses can be an excellent option for practicing yoga without the obstruction of glasses. They eliminate any concerns about glasses slipping, fogging up, or feeling uncomfortable during physical activities — allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your practice without any visual distractions. Many people opt to switch to contact lenses while practicing yoga because it gives them the freedom to enhance their focus, body awareness, and mindfulness.
You can also wear these as visual aids in your everyday activities, making it easier to fit a yoga session into your schedule. ContactsDirect offers contact lenses developed with the latest technology, such as Acuvue’s HydraLuxe or Air Optix’s HydraGlyde, for super moisturization that lasts all day. However, it’s important to consider the fact that contact lenses may generally not be recommended for practices such as Bikram Yoga, where the higher room temperature and increased sweating may cause the eyes to dry out faster.
If you are unsure about the compatibility of contact lenses with your yoga practice, it’s best to consult with an eye care professional who can guide you based on your specific needs. In such cases, alternative options like lightweight glasses or modifying poses to minimize interference from glasses can be considered.
Be mindful of glasses during inversions
Inversions, such as headstands or shoulder stands, can be challenging for people who wear glasses. During these poses, there is an increased risk of eyeglasses slipping or causing discomfort. To ensure safe and comfortable practice, consider removing your glasses entirely. This will allow you to focus on the quality and details of your practice, including maintaining the correct lines and muscle focus when doing a perfect handstand without worrying about your eyewear. Placing your glasses in a safe spot will prevent any interference or potential damage during these inversions.
If you prefer to keep your glasses on during inversions, it’s essential to be mindful of positioning. Use your hands to hold the frames gently while maintaining the inversion pose. This will provide some stability and prevent your glasses from slipping. Alternatively, you can choose poses, such as the dolphin pose, shoulder stand, or legs-up-the-wall pose, that engage overlapping muscle groups without the anti-gravity nature of inversions, thereby minimizing the risk of interference from glasses.
Adapt your practice to your needs
Every individual has unique needs and preferences when it comes to practicing yoga with glasses. As you develop a stronger sense of body awareness, you can adapt your yoga practice to suit your specific requirements.
Pay attention to how your glasses fit and feel during different poses and movements. If you find that certain poses or transitions interfere with your glasses, don’t hesitate to make small adjustments to ensure comfortable and uninterrupted practice. For example, you can try slightly shifting the angle of your head or adjusting the placement of props to avoid any discomfort from your glasses.
Otherwise, you can experiment with different styles of yoga and find the ones that align well with your visual needs. While some yoga styles may involve more dynamic movements or inversions that can pose challenges for glasses wearers, there are many other styles that can be practiced comfortably. The Yin Yoga, for instance, involves more stationary poses and slower-paced sequences. Here, poses are held for about three to five minutes, and the use of muscles is kept to a minimum. This helps minimize the risk of glasses interference.
Concluding Thoughts on Practicing Yoga with Glasses
With practice, you’ll become more attuned to your body’s alignment, balance, and energy flow. This heightened awareness will enable you to modify your practice in real-time to ensure that your glasses don’t get in the way or distract you from your focus on breathing and mindfulness.
Remember, yoga is a highly adaptable practice that can be customized to suit your unique circumstances and needs. With patience, you’ll be able to find the right balance between your yoga practice and your visual needs. Embrace the fusion of mindfulness and proper eyewear, and embark on a rewarding yoga journey.
