Practicing Yoga How should I prepare for a practice session?
You should take care that you do not eat a heavy meal before practicing. You should wear comfortable clothes. Use a towel or yoga mat to help cushion and support your body.
Why do we need to be relaxed before beginning yoga?
Relaxation is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial parts of my yoga practice. It helps calm my mind and relieve the stress of daily living. Relaxation and prayer before you begin will help you get into the proper state of mind. Take a few minutes to relax between each series of postures to help re-center yourself and feel the benefits of the postures you've completed.
Do I need special equipments to practice yoga?
Your body is really the most important 'equipment' that you need. Practicing Yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, without special equipment, and by people of all ages. You basically do not need anything to Practice Yoga. The important thing is the attitude - a big heart and a small ego. There are some supplies that are basic and which can help you be more comfortable and safer in your practice.
What equipments or props do I need?
The most basic equipment for yoga is the yoga mat. Using a mat, or towel will provide support and added comfort when you do lying or sitting positions.
The beauty about having one's own mat is the fact that purely by laying it down on the studio floor, beach, back yard, park - or wherever - the intention to focus, become immersed and attuned to your yoga space in preparation for practice is signified. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. A sticky mat is recommended highly as it helps to ensure that you're able to perform certain poses safely, with minimum risk of slipping.
Why do I need props?
The yoga props help you achieve the proper alignment, balance and make the pose a bit easier. The use of props also minimizes the strain and supports your muscles, thus allowing you to save your energy by exerting less effort on a pose. The props provide support, enabling you to do the poses that ailments or old age may prevent from doing.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
While practicing yoga it's recommended to wear loose or stretching clothes. In other words, yoga clothes you choose should be comfortable and functional and not distract you from your practice.
Natural fabrics, like cotton, are preferable, as your skin doesn't breathe well under lycra. This is especially important if you sweat a lot. If you wear a sweatshirt, wear a t-shirt underneath in case you become too warm. Wear comfortable shorts or leggings for supportive, yet unrestricted, movement. Practicing Yoga pants or shorts are a great idea.
Practicing Yoga is traditionally practiced bare foot- this gives you a sense of close contact with the ground and allows the muscles in you feet to operate freely. However, socks or soft-shoes can be put on.
Avoid wearing perfume or other scents.
Should I eat before or after Practicing Yoga?
You should avoid meals at least two hours before class. Snacks and light meals are okay. It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. It's best not to eat 1½ hours before class, mainly because it's uncomfortable to have food in the stomach when you're bending, twisting, and exerting yourself. If you need to eat before a class, give as much time as you can and eat lightly; yogurt and fruit for example.
Can I drink water during Practicing Yoga?
Yes, definitely. In fact, you should drink plenty of water before, during and after yoga practice. During your practice, your body will likely sweat and release toxins. Water is necessary to help you flush out the toxins and replenish any lost fluids. After your practice you will probably be thirsty, so cool, refreshing water will seem like a wonderful reward after all your hard work.
Can I listen to music?
Though music is found to have a relaxing effect on us, yoga in itself is a relaxing method. It is generally recommended to practice in a calm and serene environment.
Why do they always have savasana (final relaxation) in a yoga class?
Savasana is one of the most important poses. It's the reward for all the hard work you've done. It allows your breath to normalize and lets the oxygen flow through the relaxing body. Savasana lets prana (energy) to balance out throughout your body. Never skip your final relaxation!
What is the benefit of breathing during yoga?
The power of breathing practice or pranayama to change your state of mind is extremely strong. Also, you use your breath to heat your body from the inside out. Think of it as lubricating your muscles as you use them.
