When I was in high school, I took yoga instead of gym for two years. It was great and all but I never took it too seriously. 

Now, I'm 23 and trying to do yoga at home. From videos to podcasts (Yogamazing - I highly recommend) to more, I try to yoga. Different styles, asanas, etc. But it always fails because it either moves too quickly or involves too much downward facing dog/plank. Why do yogis assume that these positions 'build strength?' All they build is my power in pushing the stop button because I get frustrated at how much these positions HURT. I know I'm not doing them 'wrong' but they have always HURT - even in high school. I can't afford classes at all either. 

So, should I just suck it up and accept yoga as 'not for me?' 

my yoga instructor always says postions should NEVER hurt. you should probably hold off until you can afford classes.

true. and try some videos that are more 'gentle yoga'... then when your upper body strength is better move on more challenging.

I have uses a  beginners yoga video that I found on sale for years and it is amazing. It is by yoga zone.  They go slow enough to follow along and seem to hold the poses ( like you had mentioned downward facing dog and plank) for the perfect amount of time.

I've done the occasional class here and there when our local studios do them for free. It doesn't help. I always end up getting defeatist too because it's a down dog, followed by a plank, followed by down dog and walking the heels, etc. Not doing the poses or do 'modified' versions (which hurt just as much...) means missing half of the class, you know? I'm not going to wait 5+ years to save to pay for classes in something that I can't do half of....

Thanks for the comments though! I've tried a few 'gentle' yoga and 'beginner' yoga videos - all featuring down dog. Meh. 

I have taken some yoga classes and I have a VERY injured shoulder. But if you mention to the instructor at the beginning of the class what your areas of concern/difficulties are they are usually really good about showing you modifications as the class goes on. A lot of places have "pay as you go" type classes so it's a little less expensive and if you find that it still is not for you then you can always opt out (with no contract break). Hope this helps!

How 'bout pre-natal yoga videos? It's not very easy to do updog/downdog with a eight month tummy? Mabey start there? Look into modifications also, perhaps dolphin pose would be more comfortable to you or simply hands and knees.  Your right though that yoga should NOT hurt.

Hi Tania,

I'm curious; what hurts you  about the pose--espc. downward facing dog? If your pain is in your wrists there are a few things you could do. One is wrist rolls and streches before taking the pose. The other is elelvating you palms on a towel /rolled up mat while your fingers are spread on the floor/mat.   Like Ashley wrote, yoga should not hurt. Pain is the opposite response yoga poses should elicit. I am a yoga teacher and I encourage you to find one near you that will respect your personal gentle areas and comforts. Good Luck =)

Hi Tania. What type of yoga are you doing? You might want to check out Hatha. Vinyasa is the most strenuous, with emphasis on the Vinyasa flow (downward dog, pushup, plank, cobra) and it was difficult for me until I built up my upper body strength. It's still not easy--I can't do handstand or anything where my body weight is on my arms for a long period of time.

Another way to avoid pain in your wrists during downward dog is to make sure your fingers are spread fairly wide.

Good luck, and yeah, it shouldn't hurt!

I HATE YOGA and it hates me too. Why not try Qi Gong or Pilates instead. 

www.exercisetoheal.com has great dvd's 

krjwaj , It's mostly my wrists/hands/palms. I always assume it is because I have a lot of weight to support. 

Second the Pilates suggestion; great for strengthening the core and flexibility without the contortions!

Find an exercise that you enjoy doing or you won't stick with it.  I've never been into yoga, I try because everybody is SO into it, but I'm too fidgety and can't sit still. I'm more of an aerobics, Zumba, etc.  Really I would rather just run laps around my house than sit still long enough for yoga :)  I also have handweights I keep by the TV, so while I watch at night I do bicep curls, shoulder presses etc.  But just wanted you to know your not the only one that hasn't gotten into yoga :)

With downward dog, try bending your knees and letting your hips move backward to a comfortable position. Move slowly and adjust naturally to find the right pose for you. Drop in classes are offered at every studio and most studios across the nation offer a free class in September or a week of classes at a deep discount. I would go for one and pay special attention to how each pose feels. I noticed when I first took yoga I felt similarly as I was pushing myself into each position and fighting out of it. Think of it as gliding or moving with the pose rather than posing and it may feel more relaxing. Downward dog and plank are great for your spine, arms and clearing the junk out of your head. But just because the on-screen teacher can touch her heals to the floor doesn't mean you need to in order to do the pose correctly for you. Move with what you can do comfortably now, it'll grow and change with time. And have fun! It's just playing on a mat to a sequence designed to open you up :) IF you complete one sequence in the time it takes the on-screen person to do one, that's ok. In fact it's great as slow sequences build strength and calm your mind. Take care and keep us posted. and Thanks for reminding me to return to my mat! :)

Minnehenka!

If you never get into it that is more than ok, I just wanted to let you know that I hated tapes and loved a class I took with a woman who hooks up her IPOD to a soundsystem and created a fun energizing class to CANDLELIGHT! It was incredible and I've been hooked ever since. If you or anyone else wants to try a FUN class in your community let me know your city, (by private message if you prefer), and I will try to find you something with lots of movement you might enjoy through one of my cool yoga friends. Until then have a great time with routines you already enjoy. :) Peace