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Top 10 Essentials of a Yoga Class
 Anyone can practice yoga. Yoga build endurance and strengthen the body, if
practiced religiously. There are things you need to work upon before starting a
yoga session these are
 Focus:
In yoga practice, the gaze (“drishti”)
serves two purposes: (1) it expresses the energy and action of a yoga
pose, and (2) it focuses the mind. Choose a specific focus point and
continue to breathe deeply.
Use the gaze to assist or challenge balancing yoga poses such as tree pose (vrkasana).
In general, gazing slightly forward and toward the floor makes balancing
yoga poses easier. Looking up to the ceiling tends to make the pose more
challenging. While practicing relaxation draw your gaze to your inner self.
Alignment: Each yoga style
has its own take on alignment. In many contemporary methods, props are used to
help students get into the best possible alignment. Every pose has a precise way
in which the body should be positioned in each yoga pose in order to obtain the
maximum benefit and avoid injury. In absence of proper alignment you will not be
able to derive maximum benefits.
Breathing: The conscious
use of the breath, or pranayama, separates
yoga from other forms of exercise. Working with your breath will help you ease
into an asana. Besides. certain types of breathing are said to transmute the
creative energies. One is required to integrate focus on breathing during yoga
session while maintaining asanas or yoga positions. During the course of an
ordinary day, a women take an average or 28,000 breaths, most of which are
shallow inhalations in which air does not reach deep into the lungs. Such
shallow breathings tightens neck, muscle, which in turn can cause stiffness and
pain in the return, therefore try to at least becomes aware of, proper
breathing. What happens by bringing your awareness on the breath? The mind
becomes relaxed and so you are better able to relax in the pose.
 Environment: When
practicing at home, you should create an area specifically for yoga and meditation.
Make sure there is plenty of light and the area is clean and tidy. Also, make
sure you do not have any distractions while you practice yoga. Make sure every
prop you need for your practice, such as a yoga mat, blankets and blocks, are in
the area before you begin. This preparation prevents you from having to run
around the house looking for a different prop before you perform each pose.
Dress code: The best
clothing to wear for yoga is anything that you’re comfortable to move in. Dress
in clothing that allows the skin to breathe and body to move in any direction
without getting caught on anything. The less bulky or bunchy, the better. Take
off your watch, your hat, your sunglasses, and as much of your jewellery as you
can to avoid interruption. Leave it in your bag, not next to your mat. You will
be able to move easier without fear of breaking or scratching anything. Footwear
options include yoga shoes with bendable soles, foot thongs that are strappy and
only cover the ball of the foot or yoga socks with individual toes that prevent
slipping.
Yoga mat: A mat is a
complete essential while practicing yoga. Towels and a blanket can be used to
create the perfect yoga spot. Smooth out the layers as much as possible to
create a flat surface that you can move around on without it slipping. State of
art, yoga mats are also available and can be bought at affordable prices. Most
yoga instructors recommend purchasing a thick nonskid mat. Standard mats are 24
inches wide, 68 inches long and one-eighth of an inch thick, although taller
people can find longer mats. Make sure the surface doesn't slip or shift, you
could hurt yourself if it moves out from under you.
 Water: It is wise to carry drinking water with
you while going for yoga. Toxins may be released into your body while practicing
yoga, and you will need water
help flush them out. While some yoga practitioners recommend drinking water
before a yoga class and not during the class. Others recommend you to drink as
much water as you want. The best approach is to take a middle path and drink a
sip of two of water if you feel dehydrated during a class or between asanas.
Stay hydrated.
Towel: You need to carry a
clean towel for yoga practice which will help you wipe your face in between
exercises. Also a towel is a must for placing on the yoga mat; you will need to
find out if a towel will be provided to you or if you need to get one from home.
Health Status: Women should avoid practicing yoga during their
menstrual periods. Pregnant women need to follow guidelines to take care of the
baby. You need to follow instructions, modifications and precautions if you are
suffering from health
ailments like arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, cancer,
etc. You should discuss your injuries and special health conditions before the
class with your instructor. This will help your teacher to make suggestions for
your practice and this will help them make your experience more enjoyable.
Slow and Steady: Never
rush through a yoga session.
Most yoga instructors recommend eating two hours before attending a class. If
you have an urge to eat then you can consume a protein shake or a fruit salad.
Dated 07 August 2012
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