Yoga promotes flexibility and muscle strength, and benefits the body in so many other ways, by reducing stress, improving emotional and mental health, and balancing other body functions. Those who begin practicing regular yoga often start because they've heard how good it is for health. While it's true that any practice of yoga is beneficial, it's even better if you can maximize your success by following several guidelines.
If you are taking formal yoga classes, it helps to arrive a few minutes early so you can get yourself in the right frame of mind before the class kicks off. If you find yourself rushing in at the last moment, it will take that much longer to get into the flow of the class. Ensure you take the time to have a drink of water and use the bathroom, and if you've got time, do a few poses or simply sit quietly until the class commences.
It is helpful to begin each class with an intention which you can focus on through the class. This may be something like focussing on remaining calm in situations which are usually volatile, or becoming more loving and tolerant, eating more nourishing foods, or taking more time for spiritual practices. Just make it something positive and congruent with the practice of yoga.
If you have been experiencing any physical problems or illness recently let your yoga instructor know, as they can advise you on poses you shouldn't attempt (or can offer a modified pose), and can assist if you have any problems. If you are relatively new to yoga you should also let your instructor know, as there will be poses you can't do without causing a strain or an injury. While you may be anxious to reap the full benefits of yoga quickly, everything worthwhile takes time, and yoga is no exception! Take it easily and work within your own limits. Trying to do too much too soon may end up doing you more harm than good, and goes against the philosophy of yoga, which is geared towards healing.
It's a nice idea to take time after practicing yoga to contemplate the class. It's all too easy to step out of the yoga class and throw yourself headlong back into the rush of life, forgetting the whole reason for doing yoga. If you can maintain the peace and serenity gained in the class for sometime afterwards, it's very beneficial. It can take a long time for beginners to learn all the yoga poses. If a beginner can take the time to focus on remembering just one or two new poses each class, it won't be long before they've mastered the basics.
Ideally, go to your class on a fairly empty stomach (don't eat for two to three hours before starting a class), as the process of digestion takes energy and can make you lethargic, and it's also possible to get cramps or nausea if you exercise too soon after eating, especially when doing moves that involve the midsection (including deep forward bends, twists, and inversions).
Taking the right mindset and attitude to a yoga class can help you maximize your yoga practice, as can finding a beneficial intent to focus on during the class (which can also help keep your mind off worrying thoughts which will inhibit your progress). Taking the right attitude into class, and maintaining inner peace afterward can be very beneficial. - 31856
If you are taking formal yoga classes, it helps to arrive a few minutes early so you can get yourself in the right frame of mind before the class kicks off. If you find yourself rushing in at the last moment, it will take that much longer to get into the flow of the class. Ensure you take the time to have a drink of water and use the bathroom, and if you've got time, do a few poses or simply sit quietly until the class commences.
It is helpful to begin each class with an intention which you can focus on through the class. This may be something like focussing on remaining calm in situations which are usually volatile, or becoming more loving and tolerant, eating more nourishing foods, or taking more time for spiritual practices. Just make it something positive and congruent with the practice of yoga.
If you have been experiencing any physical problems or illness recently let your yoga instructor know, as they can advise you on poses you shouldn't attempt (or can offer a modified pose), and can assist if you have any problems. If you are relatively new to yoga you should also let your instructor know, as there will be poses you can't do without causing a strain or an injury. While you may be anxious to reap the full benefits of yoga quickly, everything worthwhile takes time, and yoga is no exception! Take it easily and work within your own limits. Trying to do too much too soon may end up doing you more harm than good, and goes against the philosophy of yoga, which is geared towards healing.
It's a nice idea to take time after practicing yoga to contemplate the class. It's all too easy to step out of the yoga class and throw yourself headlong back into the rush of life, forgetting the whole reason for doing yoga. If you can maintain the peace and serenity gained in the class for sometime afterwards, it's very beneficial. It can take a long time for beginners to learn all the yoga poses. If a beginner can take the time to focus on remembering just one or two new poses each class, it won't be long before they've mastered the basics.
Ideally, go to your class on a fairly empty stomach (don't eat for two to three hours before starting a class), as the process of digestion takes energy and can make you lethargic, and it's also possible to get cramps or nausea if you exercise too soon after eating, especially when doing moves that involve the midsection (including deep forward bends, twists, and inversions).
Taking the right mindset and attitude to a yoga class can help you maximize your yoga practice, as can finding a beneficial intent to focus on during the class (which can also help keep your mind off worrying thoughts which will inhibit your progress). Taking the right attitude into class, and maintaining inner peace afterward can be very beneficial. - 31856
About the Author:
Ana Paula Hernandez was in almost constant pain when she began learning basic yoga poses over twenty years ago. Within months she was healthier and happier than she'd ever been, and now she teaches yoga full time.
