Stress Relief – I remember leaving my very first Yoga class feeling less stress than I’d felt in years! Only later did I learn that the practice of Yoga reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body. Try a class and experience the benefits for yourself.
Pain Relief -Studies indicate that Yoga poses and meditation can provide relief from pain for people with conditions like cancer, auto-immune diseases, arthritis, back pain and much more. Always let the teacher know about any health conditions that could impact your practice.
Better Breathing – You’ll learn to take slower, deeper breaths triggering your body’s relaxation response and improving lung function.
Improved Flexibility – Don’t worry if your fingers don’t get anywhere near your toes! Add a consistent Yoga practice to your life and you’ll see steady improvement in your flexibility, mobility and range of motion, reducing aches and pains.
Increased Strength – You’ll be stronger head to toe because Yoga poses use every muscle in the body. An added benefit is reduced muscular tension!
Weight Management – Yoga may help you with weight control by reducing cortisol levels, burning excess calories and reducing stress.
Improved Circulation – The stretching and breathing associated with the practice of Yoga poses improves circulation and aids the flow of oxygenated blood to the cells of the body.
Cardiovascular Conditioning – Improved oxygenation, lower resting heart rate and increased endurance are all benefits of even a gentle Yoga practice.
Focus – The awareness you develop on the Yoga mat easily transfers to daily life. Enjoy the benefits of improved concentration, coordination and memory function long after you leave the Yoga Studio.
Inner Peace – This is what keeps people coming back to Yoga classes. You may start to practice Yoga for relief of pain or improved flexibility but ultimately you’ll continue for the sense of peace and calm that you feel at the end of your practice and beyond!
Tips And Etiquette
Be sure to book yourself into class in plenty of time to receive the access link and password via email 10-15 minutes before the start of class.
Feel free to leave your microphone on when you enter class, but always silence it once class begins.
It’s ok to turn off your camera if it makes you uncomfortable that others may see you. But, in reality, just like in studio, they are focused on themselves or the teacher.
Props are your friend. Grab the props you need at the beginning of class and keep them placed neatly near your mat. Props that you use often should be placed strategically where you can access them. It’s your practice, so own it. Use your props to support where your body is today. Don’t be too cool for props. It’s a sign of an advanced practitioner to use props when needed.
Always think about your drishti, gaze or focus point. Where we look affects our balance and alignment and can transform the pose. There’s no need to follow the teacher with your eyes. It’s natural to want to watch the person who’s speaking to you, but unlike other types of movement classes, unless a teacher specifically asks you to watch a demonstration, you don’t need to watch him/her. Focus inward and feel the pose.
Try to be present at all times. Some days, class is too much for us or we find ourselves in a higher level class than we’re ready for or a style that we’re unfamiliar with. If you need to rest, come to child’s pose or some other very simple, restful pose that you know. Close your eyes, breathe. Just being present is highly therapeutic. Rejoin the class when you’re ready.
Don’t get frustrated. You can be serious about your practice without taking yourself too seriously. Maintain your sense of humor. Smile if you wobble or even fall. Be happy that you are brave enough to try!
Careful not to drink too much water. Most of us will get enough to drink ahead of time to make it through a full-length class. If your throat is dry or your mouth feels gummy, take a small sip, but you don’t want a stomach full of water while you’re twisting, forward bending, inverting, etc. And, certainly rehydrate as much as you need to after class.
Try not to eat a full meal before class. Give yourself time to digest. Everyone’s different, but 2 hours for a light-to-medium meal is good, 3+ hours for really heavy meals. If you have low blood sugar and need a little snack beforehand, have a handful of nuts, some yogurt or a little fruit.
Practice non-attachment to the poses. Enjoy the journey! Let yourself fall in love with the process! You might work on a particular pose for years before coming into what some would consider the full expression of the pose. Some poses might not ever come. Or some come today, but not tomorrow. And that is fine! Practice with patience without being attached to a goal or end result. Life is simpler that way.
Feel free to stay connected after class and ask questions, visit with friends, etc!
Beginning a new yoga practice is so exciting. Be safe, be happy, and enjoy!
