Ashtanga yoga is a physical practice that requires a lot of stretching. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of flexibility, but it’s important to remember that overstretching can lead to injury. In this guide, we’ll go over the anatomy and physiology of stretching and provide tips for safe and effective stretching in your Ashtanga practice. The Dangers of Overstretching Stretching can be beneficial for increasing range of motion and improving circulation, but overstretching can lead to muscle weakness, joint instability, and even permanent tissue damage. Signs of overstretching include burning sensations, popping sounds, aching muscles, sciatic pain, excessive clicking and popping of joints, and joint instability. Pregnant students are particularly at risk for overstretching, so it’s important to be extra cautious if…