According to the yogic, man’s problem is not being awakened enough to know the inner self.

In yoga, breathing is considered the source of life and breathing exercises and postures are used to connect with the spirit. For a beginner wishing to take on yoga, some guidelines when beginning yoga are in order to help appreciate the experience more. The main issues are where, when, what and how to practice yoga

Where is the best place to practice?

Yoga can be practiced at home on in a yoga class. It can be practiced indoors as well as outdoor. For indoor sessions, select a particular area and turn off any noise source. If warmth is needed, a yoga mat or any exercise mat can be used. When practicing outside, shaded areas are better.

When is it recommended to practice?

The first thing is to choose a time when there will be no disturbance or distraction. Also there is no need to rush so choose the right time. The experience will be better and effective if the stomach is empty so wait atleast two hours after meals. The postures also called asana will be best taken when the body is relatively flexible. Choose the right time of the day during which your body is most flexible. Most guidelines when beginning yoga will suggest sessions of at least ten minutes of posture. If meditation is to be added, this could be increased to about twenty minutes or more.

How is the practice done?

Yoga is practiced on bare feet. Bare feet not only help in taking the right posture but also help prevent slipping. Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable enough to allow the different postures to be taken.

What postures (asana) to take?

Yoga is not about force and any exercise that creates tension in the body should be abandoned. Even before you beginning taking postures, it is important to understand your own body and how it can go. Yoga is not done for competition and patience and effort will pay off.

Other guidelines when beginning yoga

1. Always begin each session with a warm-up. Use exercises the stretch the spine and legs.
2. Understand inhalation and exhalation procedures. Inhalations are associated with expanding movements and exhalation with contracting movements.
3. Sequencing is the change from one pose to another. This helps to balance the workout session.
4. Understand the different uses of the various poses.
5. Always breathe through the nose.
6. Start with simple postures and move up as you get more comfortable.
7. Always avoid injury by not forcing the body into a particular posture.
8. Always end the session by relaxing the body.

Like in all exercises, starting simple and getting complex later will yield more benefit. With yoga, constant practice session is the key to getting better. Postures are repeated three times but instead of trying to do a posture thrice, try to get it right even once. Hopefully these guidelines when beginning yoga classes will prove useful to those considering yoga.

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