So do not push your body to 100% but instead remain at the 80% level. As long as we practice no more than 80% of our maximum possible level then the chances of injuries along with wear and tear of the body will dramatically reduce. At the same time you will make steady progress when practicing regularly. There are also so many who were top athletes when younger. Then after college they were lead to focus on career, marriage and kids with years perhaps decades passing with neglect of the body. Finally after 5, 10 maybe 20 years or more of a sedentary lifestyle the idea of taking up yoga is ignited. These former athletes often fly into yoga classes like rockets especially after experiencing an invigorating class. They start with much enthusiasm and flair. But the body after a sedentary lifestyle has changed. Apart from obvious changes such as a loss of strength, endurance, flexibility and weight gain there is another more hidden issue.