Yoga For Beginners: Guidelines For Yoga Practice

Yoga For Beginners: Guidelines For Yoga Practice

 

Yoga For Beginners: Guidelines For Yoga Practice

Don’t expect instant results.

While you will probably feel very relaxed and peaceful after your first yoga session, it can take many weeks of daily yoga practice before you begin to reap any significant health benefits. Patience is a key you must use for the real benefits of yoga to take place

Take total responsibility

Your health is your responsibility no one else’s. If you let someone else take care of it for you, you are benefiting them more than yourself. Learn that prevention is your greatest medicine. The practice of yoga is no quick fix however, it requires regular practice to reap the benefits and results

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Enjoy your practice

People who enjoy their practice get the best gains. The emotion of enjoyment puts the mind and body into a positive state. If you dread and struggle doing your exercise you might as well not bother as this is negative and the chances of keeping it up and getting gains are very low

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Avoid competition with others.

Some people in your class will be more flexible than you are or they may able to hold their postures longer. Don’t try to outdo anyone. Look to improve on your own level, as long as you are in a state of improvement you will get better. Compete with yourself on a sensible basis

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Practice what you learn.

Practice at least 15 to 20 minutes of yoga on a daily basis to stay improving and increase your level of understandings. Not just the understanding of the poses but greater understanding of yourself

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Find the time.

Some people will say that they never have the time. There is 168 hours in your given week and 4 – 5hr’s of yoga in that week is nothing, that’s 3 yoga routines a week. It is the best investment that you could ever do

Find a yoga class close to your home or work.

Many yoga students take two or three classes a week, so it helps to find a class that is conveniently located. If however you are geography challenged, get a couple of yoga videos and practice them on a regular basis.

 

 

 

When to Practice

Try to practice yoga every day. Set aside a time when you will not be disturbed and you will not have to rush. It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Wait at least two to three hours after a large meal, and one to two hours after a lighter one or a snack before beginning.
Practice regularly, even if it's only a few minutes every day. If done every day or nearly every day, even 10 to 15 minutes will help build concentration, increase flexibility and strengthen willpower, making it easier to practice the next day. Consistency is key. If possible, establish a regular time of day to set aside for practice. Morning or evening practice is advised.

Where to Practice

For practicing indoors, you will need a clear space with no furniture. Select a place with enough space where you can stretch upwards as well as to the sides for standing and floor postures. The room should be comfortably heated and well ventilated. When relaxing you can cover yourself with a blanket if you get cold.
Set aside a special place to practice. Turn off the radio, TV, and telephone, and set the answering machine volume to the low setting. Minimize distractions. Clear the room of pets and kids, if possible. Locate a level surface. A bare hardwood floor is ideal, but if your feet slip, use a sticky mat. If practicing on carpet, choose an area with a tight weave, such as Berber.

 

How to Practice

Bare feet are ideal when you practice yoga and actually serve a dual purpose. First, you need to have traction for the standing poses so that you won't slip. Second, working without shoes helps you fully exercise and articulate your feet. An exception to this would be if you doing a practice on a cold floor and you need socks for warmth.