Ahhhhhh, Yoga - the ancient practice of asanas. Or should I say Ommmmm. While yoga has been around a few thousand years, it has steadily be gaining momentum in the West the past twenty-five years. I have been practicing for the past few years and now teach at a hot studio. The benefits to yoga are numerous – especially for women. You gain strength and flexibility while building your core. It’s a great stress reliever and for some it is an alternative to a chiropractor especially for those suffering from TMJ and lower back pain.
You can be in any shape or size to start yoga – in fact you don’t have to be in the best shape at all – there are plenty of modifications to help you. You just have to be willing to give it a try. Don’t expect to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel after the first class – it isn’t going to happen. But what will happen almost overnight - your posture will be better, you will sleep more soundly and your stress level will decrease. Have I convinced you to try it yet?
Trying yoga is not something that should cause any anxiety. But, I have seen some of my fellow yogis and students get frustrated with themselves and end up not coming back. I have whipped up a brief yoga tutorial that will hopefully put you in the right path to your nearest Yoga studio.
What will it be today?
The Yoga menu has plenty to pick from Bikram, Ashtanga, Iyengar to Jivamukti. If you don’t like one style of yoga, check another one out – there are plenty to choose from! It’s always a good idea to check out the Yoga Alliance to find out what registered Yoga Teachers are in your area.
Ask and you shall receive
Some studios or gyms have an intro level class, but most places don’t. If they don’t have an intro class, just let the instructor know that you are new. The instructor will hopefully show you around the studio, let you know what poses to come into if you are feeling overwhelmed and set you up with blocks or other props. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you aren’t comfortable doing it during class, make sure to stay after class and ask away!
Making a (Yoga) Fashion Statement
Make sure you know what style of class you are going to. If you are going to a hot studio – less is more. Although you may feel more comfortable in oversized t-shit and jogging pants, it’s not going to allow you (and your instructor) to see how your body moves in and out of the postures. Wear clothes that are somewhat form-fitting.
Just Breathe
Learning how to breathe properly in a yoga class is not as easy as just inhaling and exhaling. In the majority of the postures, you are breathing in and out of your nose. It sounds easy enough until you are 10th Surya Namaskar and are gasping for air. By keeping the mouth closed, you are not only keeping yourself more hydrated but eventually, you will be able to regulate the breath. Breathing loudly/making noises are not uncommon in class. Just be careful not to be that one student (and there is one in every class) that is groaning and moaning so loudly, that I sometimes have to stop and wonder if maybe that student is having so much fun that they need to be left alone.
Miss Manner’s Would Say
Some of the “rules” are pretty basic: take off your shoes, leave the cell phone in your car and talk in your library voice when entering/leaving the room. If you are new – try to get their about 10-15 minutes early, so that you can fill out any paper-work and ask any questions so that you don’t feel so rushed.
Sometimes in class, things slip out, especially in Pavanamuktasana – Wind Removing Pose. It’s normal – maybe slightly embarrassing if it is on the loud side. But, usually the only one that notices is you – everyone else is so concerned with themselves and their posture that they don’t notice or even care that you might be tooting away.
Take advantage of Savasana. This posture is usually the last one in class – stay quiet and enjoy the silence for at least a few minutes.
Whether you do yoga with a video at home or in a studio, the benefits of this ancient practice will astound you. Be open-minded and give it a try – it’s too good just to not join in.
Belm
I’d encourage ANYONE to do yoga. I do vigorous yoga classes and even though I was fit I am the world’s most un-limber person. I have to modify half the poses.
People get intimidated. DON’T! Yoga is up there with sex and ice cream in the realm of enjoyment. It’s not just good for you, once you get to doing it regularly it starts to feel sooooo good!