Congratulations! You have signed up for your first yoga class and eagerly await your first lesson.
As the day arrives, you begin to feel a bit nervous, maybe a bit anxious and you might even be thinking have I made the right decision? You may start to doubt your capabilities and think of 101 reasons not to attend- it's too cold, you have a sales meeting to prepare for, your daughter wants you to take her to the movies..
..
101 things.
But come the appointed time, you find yourself sitting on your mat, ready to begin your class.
Excited, nervous yet glad to be there.
Five Tips To Help You Begin Yoga The beauty of yoga is the ease in which you can adapt poses to fit into your everyday schedule, current level of fitness and energy.
You can start a routine at home by following a DVD or sign up for lessons at a local health centre.
To help you begin a safe yoga routine make sure you follow these five tips; 1.
Talk to your Yoga Teacher before you join her class All yoga teachers have their own style and way of teaching.
During this first conversation, share any concerns or worries you may have, ask about class size, level of ability of current students, what sort of clothing is right, for instance, if you are attending a Hot Yoga class it is advisable to wear shorts and a sports bra; a more traditional Sivananda Class would prefer students to dress more modestly and wear a tee-shirt and long yoga pants.
Also let the teacher know if you have any particular aches and pains, or are on medication.
2.
Have a Medical Check-Up If you take any form of medication, have had surgery or experience any unexplained aches or pains, see your GP before you start your lesson.
Check that it is OK for you to exercise.
Yoga is a safe form of physical activity, however, like all forms of exercise your GP can advise you further about things to be aware of.
For instance, if you have high blood pressure and are very overweight and unfit, it isn't a good idea to join a strenuous physically demanding practice.
3.
Be Gentle and Accept Your Current Health and Fitness Levels Everyone has their own particular reason for starting yoga.
If it is part of your New Year's Resolution, just be gentle with yourself, don't rush and over commit yourself (time, energy or money wise).
See your yoga as part of your intention to become healthier, leaner, more flexibility.
Know that it takes time and patience to change and adopt new habits.
4.
Listen to your Teacher When starting out, it is always advisable to stop, look and listen to your teacher when she explains something.
Some adults find it hard to listen and learn something new, - especially if the teacher is younger or a different sex or race from them.
5.
Listen to your Body Most people spend all day "in their head" disconnected from their heart and totally unaware of what is happening in their body.
The law of attraction focuses on how the words you speak impact in your life.
For example, if you constantly tell yourself that you feel tired, sick or sad, your body adopts and mirrors that emotion.
Similarly, when you practice yoga your mind slows down, you relax, feel centered.
The parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and your body becomes relaxed and expansive.
Regular yoga practice allows you to get into your body and feel what is going on a deeper level.
Beginning yoga is a life long journey.
every time you turn up on your mat, give yourself permission to be present, to listen to your body, to be gentle with yourself and, receive guidance from your teacher.
Practice the above five points and you sow the seeds for a solid foundation of yoga.