Preparation for Yoga

Where should I practice?
Before beginning, prepare the environment. A quiet, clean, and clutter-free room is ideal. The room should be warm and well-ventilated, and with enough floor space to lie stretched out. Ideally the floor space should be about eight square feet for people of average height and nine square feet for tall individuals.

 

Do I need special clothes?
Wear comfortable clothes that are not tight, particularly around the waist. If it is warm, then keep clothes to a minimum. The feet should be bare and all jewelry should be removed. You may want to have a shawl or blanket on hand to cover the body when lying in Savasana.

 

What do I need to practice?
Yoga should preferable be practiced on a non-slip surface such as a yoga mat or a rug. Most sporting outlets and yoga centers now sell yoga mats. Sitting asanas for meditation can be carried out on a cushion and wool blanket. Teachers of Western audiences have designed a variety of equipment that can be used to aid positioning in the posture. Using equipment such as wooden blocks, wedges, and ropes is a professional preference. It is certainly not a necessity. Yoga can be practiced anywhere without having to lug equipment around.

 

When should I practice?
Early mornings and evenings are usually good times to practice. In the morning the body is fresh and energetic, but can be stiff. Hence the morning routine should incorporate postures to gently stretch out the body stiffness. Many teachers advocate doing yoga every morning for a few minutes to allow the body to be energized and the mind to remain alert through the day. In the evenings, the body may be tired but with less joint and muscle stiffness. The evening routing should incorporate postures to rejuvenate the body. Alternatively, if carried out before bedtime, stretches conducive to sleep can be practiced. Asanas, unless specified otherwise, should be practiced preferably on an empty stomach or two to three hours after a meal.

 

Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?
In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.

 

How often do I practice?
The frequency of practice is a personal choice. Initially, set a regular time to practice once a week. Often there is a natural progression to increasing the length and frequency of practice. Ideally, yoga should be practiced at least three times a week to accrue benefits. Regular practice is important in establishing yoga as a discipline and developing awareness of the mind and body.

 

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