Tips for practicing yoga

 

Avoid wearing perfumes or heavily scented hair products as some people have allergies.  Yoga is also about deepening the breath and sensitivity to our envirnment and perfumes can interfere with this experience.

It is best to practice on an empty stomach.  Eat a larger meal 3-4 hours before class or a small snack at least an hour before.

Drink water before and after class.  Some disciplines believe you will put out the fire if you drink during class.  Use your own judgment.

Trust yourself and learn to listen to your body’s needs.  The teacher might ask you to do things or give options to the class that might not be right for you.  You might be tired one day and not be able to do all that you usually do.  Yoga is about being self aware.

Challenge yourself too.  Do not let fear stop you from trying something that seems too hard.  As you begin a relationship with your teacher and your body you will be able to be more adventurous in your practice.

When in doubt ask.  There are slight misalignments that can happen that cause pain and even injury.  Ask your teacher how to do the posture so you don’t feel pain. 

Avoid walking on other people’s mats.

Bring a towel in case you sweat or need to put it on your mat so you don’t slip.

Yoga is practiced barefoot for a variety of reasons, one being that it gives your feet some freedom to spread out.  You also make a more direct contact with the Earth.

 

Commonly asked questions and answers about Yoga for new students

 

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice developed and used to facilitate meditation.  It is a series of postures called asanas- which means seat- that are meant to prime and tone the body by opening and strengthening all the muscles and tissue throughout the body.  The practice creates a sense of self awareness and a quieting of the mind which leads to a more peaceful state of mind.

 

Do I need to have a specific philosophy or religious belief to participate?

Definitely not.  People with all beliefs, religions and philosophies practice yoga. 

 

I am not in good enough shape and/or I am not flexible enough for yoga. 

Yoga will get you into shape.  There is no need to be able to touch your toes or do 1000’s of sit-ups to enjoy the benefits of yoga right from the start.  Certain postures will be more challenging than others and you might think yoga is really hard at first but soon, almost without your noticing, you will be able to do the postures you previously thought were so hard.

 

What do I have to wear?

Where comfortable stretchy clothing that allows for easy movement but isn’t too baggy.  The teacher needs to be able to see your body enough to help you with your alignment.

 

Do I need any special equipment?

Mats, blocks, belts and blankets are usually provided by the studio or the teacher.  It is wise however, if you are going to make yoga a regular part of your routine, to get your own mat.   There are a few reasons for this, one being that you create your own energy around your mat that will help you get into a yoga state of mind easier than if you use a mat that is unfamiliar and has been used by other people.  Another reason is that it is more sanitary.  The teacher will do the best he or she can to keep the mats clean but they cannot be washed every day.  Mat wipes are good to use if you are using a studio mat…or even your own.

 

There are many different kinds of yoga out there.  How do I know which one is best?

Find a yoga that works best for you.  All yoga disciplines are leading you to basically the same place.  Each one has a different way of getting there.  I suggest you try different types of classes. Keep in mind that different teachers within the same discipline will have their own style too.  When you find a class, teacher, and/or discipline that you like then settle in and begin the real practice of yoga.  You should look for teachers who know what to do if you are injured or if you have chronic pain and will assist you if you need to be helped into the correct alignment.  He or she should be certified by an accredited school of yoga (some teachers have just been practicing and teaching for so long they are grandfathered into the teaching requirements).  You also want someone who will completely respect where you are in the practice either as a beginner or advanced practitioner.