Before Starting Yoga Practice

Yoga is the ancient Indian form of exercise that aims to integrate the body, mind and spirit of the person. It was first described by Patanjali in his book, Yogasutra, more than 5,000 years ago.

There are many things you must keep in mind before starting with any form of physical regime. In Yoga, before proceeding any further, one must decide, the kind of yoga program you are enrolling for. In a typical Yoga session stretching over an hour, make sure that you feel absolutely comfortable with every practice.

Read through this simple checklist/ tips, defining the basic to do:

o The yogic practices should be performed in the morning or in the evening.

o In the morning it is better to do asanas after bathing but before breakfast.

o Women should never do asanas or vigorous practices during the menstrual phase. Only a few pranayamas and dhyana can be done around this time.

o Women should take care, that during pregnancy they should do yoga under a well qualified therapist and should do very light practices.

o It is best to practice under the guidance of a trained instructor/therapist.

o If you wish to practice the yogic practices in the evening, the best time is at least 45 minutes before the evening meal.

o Before you begin, it is better to wash the mouth and attend to your body functions.

o Bathing is not recommended immediately after yogic practices.

o Pranayama should follow the asanas and meditation should follow the pranayama.

o Usually asanas are practiced only once a day.

o Your dress should be loose to allow free movement of the limbs.

o The ideal way to start yogic practice is to spread a blanket on the floor, sit facing east or north in the morning, west or north in the evening

o Start with a minute of silent prayer, open your eyes and start the yogic practices in the sequence.

o Movements leading to Yoga postures should be slow in every case. Sudden movements should be avoided.

o Make sure that you mention explicitly about any surgeries that you’ve been through before beginning the practices

o Ulcers and cervical spondylolysis patients should take care during forward bends.

o If you feel that you can’t bend a particular part of the body, then do not force yourself. Bend to the extent you can and when you begin to feel the strain, remain in that position, without trying to bend any further.

o After drinking any liquid, wait for half an hour before beginning the asanas.

o If a light breakfast has been taken, then wait for 2 hours.

o If a full meal has been taken, then wait for at least 4 hours.

o During the time period you are learning yoga, try and follow a satvic diet, or a diet prescribed by your respective therapist, based on your body type.

o If there’s a muscle pull or a sprain during the practices, you must inform the instructor to teach the contrary postures to cure the injury immediately. Try harmonizing the breath with the actions through the postures and feel at ease throughout the session.

o Enjoy the entire session and always end the session with a quite meditation for the effect to completely sink in.