Yoga seems to be the buzzword on everyone’s lips these days when it comes to working out and getting fit. That is not a bad thing in itself, because yoga offers significant advantages over other forms of exercise. However, there are some things that you should know before you enroll for that yoga class.
1.Not all yoga is the same. There are many different styles and schools of yoga, ranging from fast paced and energetic forms of yoga such as Bikram Yoga and Power Yoga, and slower paced forms of yoga such as Ananda Yoga. Different schools of yoga focus on achieving different goals and it is important to identify what your fitness goals are before joining a particular class. For example, if you’re looking for some gentle stretching exercises to keep fit in your old age, then for sure Bikram yoga is not your cup of tea.
2.Consult a doctor before you join. Yoga is a very powerful form of exercise and in addition to its potential for good, it also has the potential to cause great harm if done incorrectly. It is best to get a thorough physical checkup before you join a yoga class. Also be sure to tell your yoga instructor about any pre-existing medical conditions so that he/she can adapt the yoga exercises to suit your specific needs.
3.Look for one-on-one interaction. Yoga students, especially beginners, require special attention and proper instructions. So if you see a class strength of fifty and one yoga instructor, maybe it’s time to look for another yoga class.
4.Ensure that your instructors are properly certified. Al though there is no single certifying body for yoga instructors, most instructors will have trained under some specific school of yoga and will have a certificate that says so.
5.Get proper clothes. You cannot perform yoga in tight jeans. A loose t-shirt and a pair of track pants or loose slacks are ideal.
6.Do not stuff your face with food before a yoga class. Yoga involves a lot of core abdominal work and is best performed on an empty stomach.
7.Do not go into a yoga class expecting to develop six-pack abs or sixteen inch biceps. Yoga is not body sculpting. Instead it is a complete holistic approach to fitness and has nothing to do with the size of your abdomen or the state of your abs. The good news is that yoga can really help your lose that flab on your belly.
8.Be prepared to switch off your cellphone and IPod when you enter a yoga class. Yoga is all about reconnecting with your inner self and this is best done without external distractions.
9.Even though yoga may not seem as strenuous as other forms of exercise, be prepared for some slight aches and pains after the first few yoga sessions. This is normal and nothing to panic about. The stretching movements in yoga will exercise parts of your body that you didn’t know existed.
10.Keep an open mind. Yoga was developed in a culture that is very different to present Western culture. Some of the concepts and techniques may seem a bit strange at first, but as you continue to practice yoga, you will understand their significance.