Yoga poses that place the weight of the upper body on the wrists, such as arm balances, can result in discomfort or pain. For some people, this pain interferes with their practice. Wrist pain can be related to problems with the wrists, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but some people with no wrist problems experience strain and discomfort.
Of course, the exercise industry offers a product to solve the problem. Yoga gloves are designed to reduce the pressure and strain on the wrists in certain yoga poses. The gloves are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear throughout the class.
There are many different designs on the market and each has its own unique features, but they have some things in common. One thing most gloves have is a non slip fabric that is designed to provide stability in the pose and reduce the risk of slipping at the wrong moment.
With or without wrist gloves, it is important to protect your wrists. Sometimes excessive pressure is the result of poor alignment in the pose. Move slowly into weight bearing poses and make sure your hands and wrists are placed correctly and check your alignment, making adjustments as needed.
When you are supporting the weight of your body on your hands, it is important to pay attention to your fingers. The fingers should be spread apart and each finger should be pressed firmly into the mat. This relieves the wrists of some of the weight and uses the hands to help support your body weight.
Don’t try to push past your current level of strength and flexibility, especially with smaller joints, such as the wrists. This can result in strain and injury. When you start to feel strain and discomfort, check your alignment and modify the pose to protect your wrists.