Things I need to know when starting Yoga

Here are some tips!

Clothing should be loose & comfortable, to allow easy movement of the body. In the cooler months, have socks and jumper on hand for the relaxation, to keep you warm.

No eating 1 - 2 hours before Yoga class. A full abdomen will make you uncomfortable and tired.

No comparing yourself to anyone else! Yoga is non-competitive. Let your focus remain with you. Simply be aware of your abilities. Regardless of age, level of fitness or state of health, ALL people are encouraged to do Yoga.

Do your best as self-effort is a Yoga discipline. Try your best, no matter how many times you have practised a posture. Experiment within the yoga postures to discover how it best suits you.

Allow yourself to relax. Relaxation is not a luxury, it is a necessity for everyone, especially if we have a busy or stressful lifestyle. Be aware of your Breathing in each of the Yoga postures. Your breath will help your body relax and keep the mind focused. Nothing will inhibit steady progress if you maintain Breath Awareness.

No pushing or forcing into stretches, which means, don't work beyond the limitations of your own body. The emphasis is on 'letting go' rather than pushing the body through borders of pain. Be Aware during the class. Heighten your senses to areas of tension or discomfort in your body; be aware of your personal space and keep the area around your mat clean and uncluttered. Rest when you need to! Use resting time to reflect and absorb your Yoga experience.

Cautions I should know about

During menstruation ladies are recommended to practise the more gentle yoga exercises and avoid inverted poses (upside down postures). During this time be careful not to exert the body.

High blood pressure, dizziness & heart conditions are conditions Important for your Instructor to know about before the class so that they can offer variations on certain exercises.

Light-headedness, Headaches, Dizziness, Cramps & other physical complaints may be experienced after a Yoga class. Newly stretched muscles may respond by cramping or twitching, and toxins liberated from usually tense muscles, may cause headaches or nausea. This is a good sign that your body is detoxifying! Symptoms will quickly disappear by drinking water, a warm shower and breathing fresh air.

Pregnant Women can practice Yoga at all stages throughout pregnancy. Inform the instructor the trimester of pregnancy, so that appropriate variations and recommendations can be made. Meditation and Relaxation is wonderfully beneficial for mother and child.

Some Yoga Terminolgy

Asana = Yoga posture or exercise
Full Yoga Breath = Inhaling deeply without force, first into lower lungs, feeling the abdomen rise, then filling the mid-portion of the lungs, feeling side-ribs expand and finally taking the breath to the top of the lungs, feeling top of the chest rise. Exhaling slowly and gently, relax.

Pranayama = The conscious guidance of life energy in our body through awareness and control of the breath process.

Meditation = Sit comfortably in any position, with back straight, arms, shoulders, face and abdomen relaxed. Allow the body to become peaceful and still. Relax the mind by focusing on your breath.

Yoga Nidra = A Deep Relaxation technique that provides profound physical & mental relaxation. The ability to deeply relax at will deepen one's sense of inner peace and calm.