Get the Most from Your Yoga Class
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Guidelines for Yoga.
YOGA IS JOYFUL! BE LIGHT AND HAVE FUN!
Be kind to yourself by accepting where you are. Rest sometimes. “Do what you can, with what you have, with where you are.” Remember: wherever, whenever in our life we begin yoga, is perfect. Yoga is non-competitive.
Leave your cell phone in your car. If you can’t be out of touch for an hour and a half, this is indication of an imbalance in your life. Remember, 90% of stress is self-induced.
Arrive a few minutes early. Consider being prompt as a part of your practice. Entering class constantly late is disruptive and disrespectful. If you do arrive late, take a breath, unravel your mat, and then enter as quietly as possible.
Please leave your shoes in the shoe cubbies, then enter the yoga room in silence. Your practice starts when you enter. Please never enter or leave the studio when the class is in meditation, prayer, or final relaxation.
Practice on an empty stomach. It is recommended that you do not eat at least two hours before practice. If a special condition prevents this, eat easily digested foods such as fruit or yogurt one hour before class.
No food or beverages in the studio. Bottled water is okay, but avoid constant sipping. We aim to generate internal heat; constant sipping cools the body.
After practice, drink plenty of pure water.
Mention any preexisting injury or special condition to the instructor at the beginning of class so that she/he can help you.
Acquire and use your own yoga mat for optimum hygiene.[Top]
Choosing a Class and what you can expect.
You’ll hear a lot about breathing & breath awareness. There are complex reasons why the breath is so vital to yoga, but from a purely physical standpoint, our breath is closely related to our nervous system. Remember the old adage about “taking a few breaths & counting to 10”? It works, and in yoga, you’ll explore this on a deeper level.
You'll be advised to take it easy & allow yourself the immense freedom of being a beginner. Since one of our aims is regenerating health & peace in the body/mind, competitive goal setting towards astounding flexibility or impressive feats of gymnastics is actually counter-productive. Don’t worry at all about how your body looks, you are in a room full of friends who are here for the same reason as you. So, instead, aim on practicing with breath awareness, & compassion toward yourself & those around you. Do this & you will find that your body will become stronger, more supple, healthier & radiant without the vanity or sometimes self-loathing that is often attached to your idea of “fitness.”
You might experience sweating and occasionally dizzy feelings. Often at the end of class, emotions arise ranging from a surging sense of joy and laughter, to tears. This is normal and usually old feelings finally being released. These are all physical signs of the healing work of yoga. Remember that you are surrounded by friends, people of like-mind who are focused on growth & healing, they’re not judging you, they’re wishing you well & know themselves what it is to discover the gift of yoga.
How often should you attend classes?
For the first month or so, attend two or three classes a week. After this, build up to practicing four days a week, or even more if your schedule permits. From a consistent practice like this, a momentum is gained and you will see notable, exponential changes within a relatively short time. You will learn yoga that you can take home, or on the road so you can practice anywhere.
Contact an Expert Yoga Advisor. Contact one of our experienced yoga advisors to help you find the yoga class that fits your life and schedule. [Top]
May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.
(Native American Proverb)
3225 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-277-YOGA(9642) Fax: 602-277-4593
Email : info@urbanyogaphx.com
