Prepare For Yoga Practice

The practice of Yoga begins with the practitioner. We can each incorporate yoga into our daily lives in ways that make us feel better, more relaxed and healthful. The practice of yoga will help you develop an awareness of mind and body. An instructor's role in the process is to provide guidance and assistance, but to the most important component is you and your willingness to begin. 
  
Comfortable Clothing. Wear something that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Clothing that restricts your movement or in which you do not feel comfortable will distract your focus. 
  
Be clean. Please come to class clean and without perfumes or colognes as strong odors may distract you or the others in the class. 
  
Come to class with an empty tummy. Eating too soon before class can cause discomfort or distraction. 
  
Arrive in time to begin on time. Please arrive in the studio ready to begin. Turn off cell phones and pagers. Remove outside shoes before entering the yoga room. 
  
Respect the space. The yoga room is a place to practice relaxation, breathing and postures. Be mindful that those around you may be seeking a quiet space, try to keep conversations quiet. 
  
Know you limitations. Yoga should be a pleasant experience for everyone and each student will practice yoga at a different level. Your individual practice and your participation in class should reach your personal level of comfort. Pushing your body beyond its limits can cause injury. A yoga class is not a competition, there are no grades; each student is encouraged to participate at the level at which they are physically comfortable. 
  
After Class: Try to take time to practice yoga every day. If you have a few minutes in the morning or before you go to bed, while standing in line or sitting at your desk, take that time to practice yoga. This could be as simple as breathing consciously or becomming aware of your posture. This will help the body and mind integrate yoga from the yoga room into your daily life.

Basics on Yoga