Hatha Yoga is a physical development of the body while exercising the mind. On a physical level, Yoga can strengthen and develop muscle awareness, soothe the nervous system, massage the organs, release toxins, prevent disease, and relieve physical injuries. On a spiritual level, Yoga can help you discover your true self. It invites you
Whether your seeking is based on the physical goals or the spiritual goals of Yoga, a yoga practice begin with a simple act of inquiring into it. The more you ask (or seek) the more you will see answers revealed to you. May you continue to ask questions and explore your practice.
Below are suggestions to help begin your practice. Of course, check with your doctor before you begin any exercise.
A. Make a list of expectation you would like to achieve through your practice: to improve flexibility, increase immune system, coping with an illness, de-stress, energy booster, etc. What you would like to achieve will effect where you start. By making a list of goals, this will help you focus on the style you would like to practice and to open a dialogue with your teacher.
B. The first step is to choose a yoga that matches your goals and expectations. to read about the different Hatha Yoga styles.
C. Choose a studio. Click here to find a studio on yogafamily.com that is in your area. Be sure to call the studio to find out when space is available and speak with the teacher to find out their training and experience. We recommend trying a few in your area so you can interview different teachers, compare your goals with the classes, and evaluate the studio. Then ask yourself the following questions:
1. Did you feel that this studio took time to explain and assist you into the postures?
2. Did the teacher take time to discover your goals before the class?
3. Did the studio lend itself to increase your motivation?
If you didn't care for a studio or teacher, try again with a different teacher or a different studio. The success of you enjoying a class can come down to which studio/teacher you choose. Trying again will also give you more experience with what yoga can offer and can create more mind-flexibility by being open to different experiences.
D. Be prepared before you walk in the door. Most public classes will have the following but you should call ahead make sure. It is also good to have your own props because eventually you will transform your energy into your own props and will make your practice more your own and perhaps it will open a more regular home practice.
- yoga mat - prevent your hands and feet from slipping. Some Yoga styles like Bikram encourage you to bring a towel to put over your mat to absorb sweat.
- Comfortable clothing - for more blissful yoga's such as Svaroopa, sweats and a shirt will do - for more vigorous yogas like Anusara, Bikram, Ashtanga or Iyengar, gym clothes are recommended. Always were layers as you tend to get heated in poses but then cool down with the final relaxation.
- Eye pillow - to be used in a meditation to allow your eye muscles to relax while the weight of the pillow holds your eyes gently shut. It also encourages you eyes to relax and fall back deeper into their sockets.
- Yoga Tie - to aid you in reaching the end posture without straining past your limitation. A strong bathrobe tie will suffice for home practice.
- Blocks - solid wooden blocks or similar strength will assist you in reaching and supporting you in your postures. For home practice, a hard cover book makes a good substitute.
- Folding Chair - used for supported poses, and assisting those less flexible to modify positions.
- Bolsters - They are a packed cushion or rolled blanket that assists you in reaching the proper posture or helps surrender you into restorative postures.
- Gymnic Balls - these rubber balls come in various sizes to assist you in different openings: back, stomach and shoulders. You can also use them as strengtheners to build the muscles needed for more advanced postures.
- Water - Some classes frown upon those noisy, plastic water bottles and feel that it is a disruption to class. Other require consumption of water in the class to maintain strength. Best to call a head and ask.
- Uncluttered mind - it is difficult for anyone to release the day's activities once they enter a yoga studio. As you deepen your practice, you will notice that once you are able to release the mind, concentrate on your breath, your practice will develop at an easier rate.
E. Inquire to us if you have any questions before you begin your journey. No matter what your questions are, we are happy to assist you. Not too mention, we all had to start somewhere, let us share our journeys with you.
Information
in this section: How to Get Started is provided by:
www.yogafamily.com