How To Get More Out Of Your Yoga Class
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.
Aim to arrive at your yoga class several minutes early to avoid rushing and to relax into a good yoga mindset. When you rush in at the last minute, it takes much longer to get into the flow of things, and you don't get as much from the class as you could. If you have time for a drink of water or a trip to the bathroom, and maybe time for a stretch or brief meditation, you'll be able to start your class in the right frame of mind.
Starting a yoga class with a positive intention is a great idea, as it provides an excellent focus for the class. The intention may be something as simple as remaining calm in volatile situations, developing more tolerance and love, enjoying healthy foods, or on making time for spirituality. The intention simply needs to be something which is positive and reflects the spirit of yoga.
If you're suffering from an injury, or have recently gone through an illness, it's important that you let your yoga instructor know, as they are able to advise on poses to avoid and may offer alternatives. Those new to yoga should also tell their instructors, who can look out for them and assist with developing the correct poses to avoid strain or injury. Many people are so anxious to progress in their yoga that they inadvertently injure themselves, so it's important to realize that it will take time. Be patient and work at a level you feel physically comfortable with. The philosophy of yoga is one of healing, so pushing oneself and getting injured really does go against that, and will hinder any success or health benefits.
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.
You should attend your yoga class on an empty stomach (it's a good idea not to eat for at least two hours beforehand), as digestion uses energy and creates lethargy, and cramps and nausea may occur if certain postures are performed too soon after eating (especially those that revolve around the midsection, including twists, and forward bends).
Beginning a yoga class with the correct mindset is one way of maximizing yoga sessions, and so is focusing for the class on a positive intention, which can distract the mind from outside worries. Along with taking the right attitude to your yoga class, it's just as important to maintain positivity and peace afterwards.
Aim to arrive at your yoga class several minutes early to avoid rushing and to relax into a good yoga mindset. When you rush in at the last minute, it takes much longer to get into the flow of things, and you don't get as much from the class as you could. If you have time for a drink of water or a trip to the bathroom, and maybe time for a stretch or brief meditation, you'll be able to start your class in the right frame of mind.
Starting a yoga class with a positive intention is a great idea, as it provides an excellent focus for the class. The intention may be something as simple as remaining calm in volatile situations, developing more tolerance and love, enjoying healthy foods, or on making time for spirituality. The intention simply needs to be something which is positive and reflects the spirit of yoga.
If you're suffering from an injury, or have recently gone through an illness, it's important that you let your yoga instructor know, as they are able to advise on poses to avoid and may offer alternatives. Those new to yoga should also tell their instructors, who can look out for them and assist with developing the correct poses to avoid strain or injury. Many people are so anxious to progress in their yoga that they inadvertently injure themselves, so it's important to realize that it will take time. Be patient and work at a level you feel physically comfortable with. The philosophy of yoga is one of healing, so pushing oneself and getting injured really does go against that, and will hinder any success or health benefits.
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.
You should attend your yoga class on an empty stomach (it's a good idea not to eat for at least two hours beforehand), as digestion uses energy and creates lethargy, and cramps and nausea may occur if certain postures are performed too soon after eating (especially those that revolve around the midsection, including twists, and forward bends).
Beginning a yoga class with the correct mindset is one way of maximizing yoga sessions, and so is focusing for the class on a positive intention, which can distract the mind from outside worries. Along with taking the right attitude to your yoga class, it's just as important to maintain positivity and peace afterwards.
About the Author:
Ana Paula Hernandez began her yoga career over twenty years ago when she began learning basic yoga poses and started experiencing some of yoga's wonderful benefits. She now teaches yoga full time.