How To Do Yoga

Learning how to do yoga is easier now than it has ever been. The practice of yoga itself places an emphasis on breathing and focus. As such, yoga is one of the best ways to relieve the body and mind of unhealthy stress and tension.

Yoga is a low impact, mind-body activity that can help lower tension and stress while improving strength, flexibility and balance.

If you are first learning how to do yoga, it is helpful to try a few different styles to see which ones resonate with your heart. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home.

Visit the Yoga Shop and browse the wide selection of yoga DVD's offering the perfect way to explore the numerous benefits of yoga. Focus on increasing strength and improving flexibility while developing a calm, serene mind.

 A great choice is the Yoga for Beginners Boxed Set. The AM practice helps wake up both your mind and body in an energetic yet serene way while the PM practice helps you to let go of the mental and physical stress of the day and prepare for a deep, relaxing sleep.

How To Do Yoga 

Be comfortable with the fact that your balance and flexibility will be different from one day to the next.

When are are first learning how to do yoga, you may find yourself unable to balance one day but hold a pose great the next. Don't think too much into it since it could be due to any number of reasons such as what you ate, how you slept or how stressed out you are.

Be realistic in knowing that while some days you may hold a particular pose effortlessly other days your balance may be totally off. Over time, with practice and patience, yoga will teach you to stay in the present moment so you can tune into the subtle changes in your body.

Learning to balance has a lot more to do with your state of mind than your physical ability. If you are stressed out and unable to calm your mind, your body is likely to respond to that stress. 

Consider the following tips to find your center and stay focused:

1. Be Aware of Your Breath

When you breathe deeply and purposefully it helps to connect the body and mind. This state of calm when you regulate the breathing serves to control the mind bringing clarity and purpose to your yoga practice.

2. Focus Your Drishti

Drishti refers to a steady gaze which also helps to focus your mind. When you anchor your drishti on a fixed point ahead of you it helps to focus your mind for better balance.

3. Visualize the Pose

If you are in Tree Pose, it helps to think of yourself as a tree, standing firm yet supple like a tree whose branches can flow with the breeze. Use this mental image to guide you toward stability in your pose.

What Is Namaste?

Namaste is a Hindu greeting where the hands are pressed together and placed close to the heart with the eyes closed and head gently bowed. 

• It can be both a spoken and unspoken gesture. The hands held together signifies the bringing together of the spirit, or the self meeting the self.

• Pronounced "Namastay", it represents the belief that there is a Divine entity within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you".

• Other versions of Namaste are "The highest light within me honors the highest light within you".

• In most yoga classes in the West, the word Namaste is usually spoken at the same time as the gesture. Where as in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste and therefore, it is not necessary to say the word.

• Namaste is usually initiated by the teacher at the end of class because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more relaxed.
  

Finding A Yoga Class That Works For Your

Finding a Yoga Class

If you want to experience the health benefits of yoga, attend a general yoga class that includes basic poses, breathing and meditation.

If the first yoga class doesn't suit you, try another class or another teacher.

• Individual personalities can make a huge difference with yoga. It is important to find a teacher who's style you are comfortable with and who embraces the mindfulness of yoga in order to receive the greatest health benefits.

• It's a good idea to check your ego at the door when you practice yoga in a group environment. As with all postures, it helps to not compare yourself to others in the class. Let go of any thoughts about how you should look in a particular pose and accept where you are in your practice. 

• Whatever style or class you choose, keep in mind that your yoga practice is ever evolving and that your needs and preferences are likely to change over time. Keep exploring to find the style that is right for you. It may be more than one and that can be a very rewarding and enlightening experience.

Bonus Tip - How To Do Yoga

Research shows that practicing yoga for 20 minutes a day, four days a week, can smooth the cellulite on the sides of the legs, buttocks and thighs. This is because yoga increases circulation which can help the body get rid of fat and fluids trapped under the skin to help reduce the rippled look of cellulite.

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