What is yoga?The word "yoga" means "union". Yoga is a form of exercise based on the beleif that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses or "asanas", yoga creates harmony.
Yoga practice consists of five key elements: proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxtion, proper diet and positive thinking and meditation. The exercises, or asanas, are designed to ease tensed muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve the flexibility of the body's joints and ligaments.
Check with your doctor.Yoga asanas can be practiced by young and old alike. While there is no one who should be excluded, check with your doctor before you begin a course if you suffer from a medical condition or have any doubts.
Proper Exercise.The aim of proper exercise is to improve suppleness and strength. Each posture is performed slowly in fluid movements. Violent movements are avoided as they produce a build up of lactice acid, causing unnecessary fatigue.
Proper Breathing.Most people use only a fraction of their breathing capacity. Proper breathing focuses on nasal breathing techniques to unlock energy and vitality. Breathing exercises concentrate on exhalation rather than inhalation, to cleanse the lungs of stale air and to eliminate toxins from your body.
Proper Relaxation.The release of tension through relaxation is vital to keep the body healthy. Begin and end each session of yoga asanas with relaxation and relax between postures. This allows to released energy to flow freely.
Proper Diet.The recommended diet for a student of yoga is a simple and wholesome vegertarian one, made up of natural foods that are easily digested. It keeps the body vital and healthy, and the mind calm and free from restless thoughts. Processed and tinned foods are to be avoided when and where possible.
e.g. of recommended/necessary elements of a healthy diet:
- vegetables
- fruit
- grains
- pulses
- dairy products
Positive thinking and meditation.Meditation is a state of consciousness. When practicing meditation, you must first learn to calm the mind, and focus your mental energy inwards. Meditation can help to releive stress and replenish your energy. If it is practiced on a daily basis, you will also find that it will enable you to think more clearly and postiively and to be at peace with yourself.
The Importance of a Teacher.Whether you are learning yoga singly or in a group, it is always best to be supervised by a qualified teacher. A teacher will demonstrate how to ease your body gently into and out of the yoga postures and, most importantly, how to breathe correctly when holding a balance. He or she will ensure that you do not strain your limbs, and will help you to align your body in the asanas.
What you need.You do not need special equipment to practice yoga. Although you can buy foam yoga mats, a towel on a carpeted floor will do just as well. For practising indoors, you will need an open space, clear of furniture. The room should be comfortably heated and free from disturbances.
When and where to practice.Try to practice yoga every day. At the same time, be gentle. Do not force yourself. A yoga session should be a joy. Set aside a time when you will not be disturbed or you will not have to rush. Morning practice helps loosen up stiff joints and muscles after sleep. Evening practice relieves the tensions of the day. Whenever you practice yoga, avoid eating atleast two hours beforehand.
Each Session: How Long?For maximum benefit you should set aside about 90 minutes. When you are busy, try a shorter session with fewer asanas. It is very important not to feel rushed, and allow time for relaxation between poses. You can always perform the breathing exercises at a later stage.
Know your body's capabilities.Before you begin your yoga isanas, it is important to recognise your body's capabilities. Never force your body into a posture or try to go beyond your limit. Remember, yoga is not a competitive sport. Progress may be slow, but with time your body will become flexible. Ease yourself gently into each position and when you are holding a pose, check the body to see if you can feel tension building up anywhere specific. If you do, consciously try to relax that tension holding the breaht.
Balancing both sides of the body.Many of our regular daily activities tend to emphasize the use of the body. TO acheive a healthy enough and harmonious balance, it is important to keep all parts of the body equally strong and flexible. Yoga exercises make each group of muscles work equally on the left and the right sides of the body to achieve true equilibrium.
Yoga practice consists of five key elements: proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxtion, proper diet and positive thinking and meditation. The exercises, or asanas, are designed to ease tensed muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve the flexibility of the body's joints and ligaments.
Check with your doctor.Yoga asanas can be practiced by young and old alike. While there is no one who should be excluded, check with your doctor before you begin a course if you suffer from a medical condition or have any doubts.
Proper Exercise.The aim of proper exercise is to improve suppleness and strength. Each posture is performed slowly in fluid movements. Violent movements are avoided as they produce a build up of lactice acid, causing unnecessary fatigue.
Proper Breathing.Most people use only a fraction of their breathing capacity. Proper breathing focuses on nasal breathing techniques to unlock energy and vitality. Breathing exercises concentrate on exhalation rather than inhalation, to cleanse the lungs of stale air and to eliminate toxins from your body.
Proper Relaxation.The release of tension through relaxation is vital to keep the body healthy. Begin and end each session of yoga asanas with relaxation and relax between postures. This allows to released energy to flow freely.
Proper Diet.The recommended diet for a student of yoga is a simple and wholesome vegertarian one, made up of natural foods that are easily digested. It keeps the body vital and healthy, and the mind calm and free from restless thoughts. Processed and tinned foods are to be avoided when and where possible.
e.g. of recommended/necessary elements of a healthy diet:
- vegetables
- fruit
- grains
- pulses
- dairy products
Positive thinking and meditation.Meditation is a state of consciousness. When practicing meditation, you must first learn to calm the mind, and focus your mental energy inwards. Meditation can help to releive stress and replenish your energy. If it is practiced on a daily basis, you will also find that it will enable you to think more clearly and postiively and to be at peace with yourself.
The Importance of a Teacher.Whether you are learning yoga singly or in a group, it is always best to be supervised by a qualified teacher. A teacher will demonstrate how to ease your body gently into and out of the yoga postures and, most importantly, how to breathe correctly when holding a balance. He or she will ensure that you do not strain your limbs, and will help you to align your body in the asanas.
What you need.You do not need special equipment to practice yoga. Although you can buy foam yoga mats, a towel on a carpeted floor will do just as well. For practising indoors, you will need an open space, clear of furniture. The room should be comfortably heated and free from disturbances.
When and where to practice.Try to practice yoga every day. At the same time, be gentle. Do not force yourself. A yoga session should be a joy. Set aside a time when you will not be disturbed or you will not have to rush. Morning practice helps loosen up stiff joints and muscles after sleep. Evening practice relieves the tensions of the day. Whenever you practice yoga, avoid eating atleast two hours beforehand.
Each Session: How Long?For maximum benefit you should set aside about 90 minutes. When you are busy, try a shorter session with fewer asanas. It is very important not to feel rushed, and allow time for relaxation between poses. You can always perform the breathing exercises at a later stage.
Know your body's capabilities.Before you begin your yoga isanas, it is important to recognise your body's capabilities. Never force your body into a posture or try to go beyond your limit. Remember, yoga is not a competitive sport. Progress may be slow, but with time your body will become flexible. Ease yourself gently into each position and when you are holding a pose, check the body to see if you can feel tension building up anywhere specific. If you do, consciously try to relax that tension holding the breaht.
Balancing both sides of the body.Many of our regular daily activities tend to emphasize the use of the body. TO acheive a healthy enough and harmonious balance, it is important to keep all parts of the body equally strong and flexible. Yoga exercises make each group of muscles work equally on the left and the right sides of the body to achieve true equilibrium.
