How to do yoga at home or in class? Things to know when beginning yoga
How to do Yoga - Yoga poses are practiced:
On bare feet on sticky mat - to 'ground' yourself and to keep your grip
Wearing comfortable & loose clothing – avoid tight clothing or accessories that restrict movements & breathing.
On empty stomach – leave 1 hour after a snack, and at least 2 hours after a main meal.
Do not practice or go to a class if you are in pain or suffer any discomfort, strain, muscular tension, joint inflammation, flu, etc - instead rest in bed or seek advice from a physician.
How to do yoga - Before class:
Inform your teacher about any injury, allergy, medical condition or physical restriction that might interfere with your practice.
Doctor’s approval is required before starting any exercise programme. Empty your bladder .
Arrive 5 minutes early to start tuning in to your body, as the class will start promptly.
Switch off your mobile phone.
Place your mat so that there is plenty of space for arm and leg movements in all directions.
Leave your shoes, worries and expectations outside ther room! Start the practice with an open mind & heart!
How to do yoga - During class: Breathe through the nose using the abdomen, middle & upper chest. Imagine your lungs as a balloon, which you are filling with air. Breathe naturally and completely – never forcing, never gasping for air. The breath is your teacher! It will tell you when you are trying too hard and when you are not ready for the exercise, as the breath will become forced, loud and strained. Move with fluidity & grace, distributing your weight evenly and co-ordinating the motion of the breath to the movements of the body. Keep an awareness on the muscles that are being exercised, be receptive to messages and sensations of the body. Always focus on the present moment. Please stretch and use your body, but neither strain nor abuse it. Don’t over do it; don't go beyond your level of flexibility; don’t struggle with poses. Do the part of the exercise that you can.  Please slow down or pause, if you feel fatigued and if your breath becomes strained. On the other hand, if you feel sleepy, speed up the pace.
 Please trust your intuition - if you feel that an exercise is not right for you at that moment or is beyond your flexibility, don’t do it. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
 Be mindful of the 3 most vulnerable areas of the body: low back, knees & neck.
 Please keep the body warm – cover with a jumper if your feel cold, sip room-temperature water only if thirsty.
How to do yoga: After class
Drink plenty of water.
Try a daily practice to uplift your soul!Spend 1 minute a day doing some form of yoga. Examples: practice 1 minute of conscious breathing; read an inspiring quote, article or story; search a topic that was mentioned during a class; do an act of kindness; and so on.

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