Beginning a Yoga Class

Yoga has been utilized for thousands of years to bring wellness and happiness to body, mind and spirit. The word 'yoga' means 'union' - uniting each part of ourselves - so we can feel inner peace. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston, Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz swear by yoga to assist them focus, lose weight or quit smoking. If you've never tried yoga before, then here are my leading tips for obtaining began. What's your motivation for beginning yoga classes?  Initial of all, ask yourself why you're thinking about starting a yoga class. Do you want to decrease stress? Get toned and super-fit? Banish your back or neck pain? Calm your thoughts? Get in touch together with your inner wisdom? Be truly honest with yourself, because these questions will assist you to find the proper style for the kind. Chose the proper school of yoga  There are a large number of styles of yoga about, and each has various advantages. Some (like Astanga vinyasa yoga) are very physically demanding, others are held in a heated room (Bikram Yoga), while other people focus on gentler, therapeutic movements (Dru Yoga) or meditation and chanting (Kundalini). Some are generic hatha yoga classes, that will most likely be reasonably gentle and accessible for most fitness levels. Get to know the teacher  Before you commit to a term of yoga classes, arrange to satisfy the yoga teacher and discuss your requirements. Ask questions too - check that they are qualified with a yoga school which is accredited with an international body like Yoga Alliance. Check what their attitude to safety is, as numerous individuals get injured every year from more than stretching or straining when they haven't totally prepared. Does your teacher offer modifications and contra-indications to every posture? Do they do sufficient warm-ups and cool-downs? Is there an adequate period of relaxation (savasana) in the finish of the class?  Find a location that works for you  If you are going to get to your yoga class, rain or shine, then choose a location that's realistic. I've seen so many students attending classes enthusiastically at the beginning of September, only to determine that it's just too far when the cold, dark nights set in. Some people are pleased to travel for an hour to discover a teacher that they like, but for other people, selecting a class in their village hall works much better. Get the proper equipment  For many classes, you will need a yoga mat and comfy clothes, as well as a bottle of water. Some dynamic classes require a towel (to mop up all that sweat!) whilst other people encourage you to bring a blanket or shawl for the relaxation or meditation. For your initial class, you probably don't require to go out and purchase all the equipment - talk to your yoga teacher and she'll advise you what's essential. Some teachers have spare mats to lend to new students - which can assist till you're committed. Make time to practise at house  Even better than attending a yoga class as soon as a week is getting a regular house yoga practice. On the Dru yoga retreats I teach in Wales, I usually recommend finding a quiet location at house, and doing just ten minutes of yoga and meditation every day, in order to maintain that great 'feel-good' post yoga class glow! There are a lot of yoga DVDs and books about which can assist together with your home practice, or you are able to subscribe to an online yoga class, like the Dru Online Studio. Whatever you choose, the old adage that an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory, certainly applies to the procedure of beginning a yoga class! By doing regular yoga, you'll feel fitter, calmer and more focused - and able to deal with each day stresses so much more easily. I wish you the very best of luck on your yoga journey!