A beautiful sunny day - on the beach - for yoga.
It is always important to come prepared whether you’re in a business meeting, a sports game or in an exam. It’s also the same with yoga, you have to be prepared before and during your class. The following article suggests tips to help you have a better yoga session and to get most out of it.
1. Arrive 10 minutes earlier
We wouldn’t want to add stress to your workout would we? We wouldn’t want to be late and be disrupting others once class starts. Spare yourself of that and arrive earlier. You’d also be able to talk to your instructor and say hi to your friends.
2. Eat less before practicing yoga
There is no problem delaying breakfast if you practice yoga in the morning since it is better to practice yoga on an empty stomach. But if you have a busy work schedule and take an evening class then this might cause a little problem. Eat something light at least 2 hours before your yoga session so by the time your class starts your stomach would be empty. It’s just uncomfortable to move, bend and do yoga with a heavy stomach.
3. Eat Less after practicing yoga
Eating after your morning yoga sessions is understandable since that would be breakfast and it’s the most important meal of the day. But if you’re eating after your evening class, you have to ask yourself these questions: “Are you really hungry or are you just eating out of habit?” If you answered yes to the former then go ahead and eat something healthy. However, if you answered yes to the latter then you might want to reconsider eating at night. It’s not that healthy anyway to be eating during that time. Diet experts recommend scheduling food intake at least three hours before sleeping.
4. Come in proper Attire
One of the most important parts of your workout is your clothes. They should be comfortable, sweat absorbent and should fit right. It should allow you to have free movement of various body parts and also allow you to move and twist without any trouble. Yoga will really make you perspire (especially if its Bikram Yoga) and we wouldn’t want to be sticky while in class so choose clothes/fabrics that have DryFit or CoolMax to wick moisture away from the skin. The purpose of having the right fit in what you wear is simply for comfort.
5. Bring the right equipment
Always bring your yoga mat, towel, and a bottle of water. You will sweat a lot and although you may rent a yoga mat and a towel in most yoga class, it would still be more comfortable to have your own. You might also want to bring warm socks if you will be meditating after.
6. Attend a class with an experienced yoga instructor
Watch and listen to your yoga instructor very carefully. After listening to the instructions, your only focus is yourself and nothing else – not the pretty girl in front of you (for guys of course) and definitely not that hot guy in your class. Having an experienced yoga instructor would definitely make things easier for you especially if you’re just a beginner. And the most important part of having a trained one is he/she will teach you the basics and the fundamentals of yoga – something that everyone should know.
7. Listen to your body
At times we tend to forget that pain is a good thing because it signals your body to stop what you are doing and relax. This is important in yoga and when you feel that your body is strained or you feel dizzy just relax, breathe or sit. Again, remember that your yoga class is not a competition. It’s not about the others but about yourself so go on and listen to your body…only go as far as your body can.
8. Remember your breathing
Yoga is a series of movements and at times we forget that we have to breathe correctly. Whether you’re stretching, reaching or just sitting, it is important to take note of your breathing. When you feel tired or dizzy, just breathe right, by inhaling and exhaling through the nose, and you’ll feel much better.
9. Have a non-competitive yoga attitude
You may be in a yoga class but this is a personal journey and not about showing off. It’s creating more harmony with your body and it is a way of releasing your own toxins and stress. You should remember that you are not in a yoga class to compete with some of the more experienced people but instead you are there to achieve your personal goal whether it is to lose weight, get fit, create harmony with your body or simply to relax your mind.
10. Concentrate on the present and Enjoy
Clear your mind off what the past and don’t look forward to what will happen in the future. Concentrate on the NOW and what you are doing. Enjoy the moment and the effects that yoga is doing to your body.
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