Make Sure You Pick the Right Yoga Class

Regardless of the type of yoga you choose to do, make sure you find a class with an instructor who knows how you are doing, physically and mentally. If you want to get the most of the class, for your mind and body, you must pick an instructor who asks you, before you start the class, how you are, physically and mentally. Once that information is known, you can safely move into the wonder of yoga.



By LeeAnn Simons

Congratulations! You are starting off the New Year by increasing your activity! You are walking, or jogging, or you joined a class at the local Y. Whatever it is, you have taken the first step to improving your fitness. 

Now you are considering working on becoming more flexible. You read somewhere that, to have a "total fitness program," you need to include not only increased activity, but also flexibility and strength.

Good luck. I'm almost 53 years old, and I am not sure I'll ever get all three parts down. But I am a walker and my goal is to walk 4-5 times a week for 45 minutes. Many times I take several short walks, but the total is 45 minutes, so most times I meet my goal. I have also been working on my flexibility for many years by doing yoga. Many yoga poses involve holding this 144-pound body in a headstand, or handstand, and that takes strength. So maybe I won't need to buy weights to keep my bones strong!

Let me tell you a bit about doing yoga, because, as a big fan, I wish everyone could take time to do it. Yoga helps you feel good in your body, no matter what shape you think you are in-and that's what I love about it. Whether I feel too fat from overeating, or I'm feeling energetic because it's...a good day, ten minutes of yoga makes me feel even better. Maybe it's the idea that I have made time to take care of myself, I don't know. Whether you have ten minutes or an hour, you can always find some type of pose (or series of poses) to fit the way you are feeling. You will always feel better, physically and psychologically.

There are many styles of yoga, including Ashtanga yoga, a fast moving, intense practice; power yoga, a Westernized form of Asthanga; and another form known as "hot yoga" where you practice in a heated room (make sure to drink LOTS of water).

The style I practice is called Iyengar yoga, based on the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar. It has been referred to as "props" yoga, because it involves the use of blocks, belts and other objects to aid in learning the poses (also called "asanas"). Once I went to another yoga-style class. After the class, I had a conversation with the instructor about Iyengar yoga. I have a distinct memory of him saying "yes, that is the yoga for people who have hurt themselves and need to start over again, slowly"." I was so angry I would have kicked him! (Since I'd injured my back, though, I couldn't.)

I complained to my instructor about this comment, and she smiled. It's important that you simply start doing yoga, she said, not what style you choose. Very Zen, don't you think? But she's right. The important thing is for people to just get started.

There is one essential piece of advice I'd like to offer anyone interested in learning yoga, regardless of the style you choose. You must make sure you have a qualified instructor. While there are many people out there who may be considered qualified, not all of them should be teaching classes.

Here is one way to tell: at the beginning of your class, if the instructor does not ask "Is there anyone here with a particular health issue I should know about?"-get up and leave. A misconception about yoga is that you simply sit, breathe deeply, and learn small stretches. Learning how to breathe correctly is essential, it aids in concentration and movement through the asanas. However, many yoga poses involve deep stretching and lots of strength (to stay in those poses). Suppose you walk into class with an injury (perhaps you strained your neck in the middle of the night, or pulled a back muscle getting out of bed). If your instructor isn't aware of this at the beginning of class, by the end of class you may be in more pain than when you started.

By all means, pick a yoga class you like-that's the most important part in getting started. Just remember to make sure your instructor knows what going on in your body (and your mind) before you start the class.

If you would like more information on becoming At Peace With Food™, as well as access to interesting articles and links to nutritional resource websites, visit http://www.AtPeaceWithFood.com/freetips.html

Copyright (c) 2008 At Peace With Food

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Learn Yoga For A Better Lifestyle

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Not many people know, but Yoga is a 3 thousand year old tradition, from it's homeland of India. It goes back to the Sanskrit term known as "yuj" which means to join, yoke, bind and attach. It simply means that you focus your mind and body to connect yourself to God.

Furthermore, it is about balance of mind, emotions and soul by disciplining yourself. After you Learn Yoga, you can acquire a more positive and fulfilled view in your mind.

Someone that makes use of yoga is named as a "yogi" Please find below some good strategies in ways to learn yoga:

You can begin to learn yoga by reading resources, which are designed specially for new comers, (good books can be found on the link below).

If you are a student, you can always go to the most accessible library in the school. Also a variety of books can be found, from a book shop or found online.

You will need to comprehend all exercises and postures before you actually go to try them, this way you'll know you can Learn Yoga the right way before execution.

Another option is to attend a yoga class. Once you have learned the basics about yoga through the book, you can then be confident to join a yoga class.

It is fun, intriguing and you will be able to share associate and share with other like minded people.

Classes of Yoga can usually be found online for your local area, then again you can ask your friends and find out that way if they know anyone that teaches yoga.

Or you could simply learn yoga from home, the most popular choice. Firstly of all you need to get yourself a yoga mat, place it in the center of your room.

Clean and clear the room from clutter, so that you will have a healing and harmonious energy coming in. If you want it simple, you can make use of plants for added serenity, even as far as a water fountain to keep the ambience required.

Once you start keep on practising. It is expected that when you're a beginner, it's important to take you time, it's the absolute essence of yoga.

Generally, it will take you a short while before you can implement proper yoga successfully to achieve peace of mind, both body and soul.

Just do what you can and practice regularly, and you can be certain to achieve your yoga goals

Once you learn yoga, there are many different variations of it to try: Vinyasa yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, karma yoga, kundalini yoga and karma yoga.

As time passes by, your skills in yoga will grow and will surely enjoy it with positive thoughts and peaceful mind.

About the Author: Isabelle Scott - If you would like to learn much more in ways to Learn Yoga then visit our home page here My-Yoga-Meditation.com.