YOGA

The word ‘ yoga ‘ mean ‘ union ‘-uniting every part of ourselves-so you can feel inner peace. Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston, Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz swear by yoga to help them focus, lose weight or quit smoking.

What is your motivation to start the yoga classes?

First of all, ask yourself why you are interested in starting a yoga class. You want to reduce stress? Get toned and super-fit? Banish your sore back or neck? Soothe your thoughts? Contact your inner wisdom? Be really honest with yourself, how do these questions will help you find the right style for your type.

Chose the right school of Yoga

There are dozens of yoga styles around, and each one has several benefits. Some (like the Astanga vinyasa yoga) are very physically demanding, others are kept in an air-conditioned Chamber (Bikram Yoga), while others focus on movements smoother, therapeutic (Dru Yoga) or meditation and sing (Kundalini). Some are generic hatha Yoga classes, which will probably be fairly smooth and accessible for most fitness levels.

Meet the teacher

Before you commit to a term of yoga classes, organize yourself to know the teacher of Yoga and discuss your needs. Ask questions too-make sure they are qualified with a school of yoga which is accredited as an international body Yoga Alliance. Check what is your attitude towards security, how many people get injured per year in more than stretching or straining when they still not fully prepared. His teacher offers modifications and contra-indications for each posture? They do fairly warm-ups and cool-downs? There is an adequate period of relaxation (savasana) at the end of the class?

Find a location that works for you

If you’re going to get to your yoga class, rain or shine, then choose a location that is realistic. I have seen so many students attending classes with enthusiasm in early September, just decide that is just too far when the cold nights, dark set in. Some people are happy to travel to an hour to find a teacher that they like, but for others, the choice of a class in your salon village works better.

Get the right equipment

For most classes, you will need a yoga mat and comfortable clothes, as well as a bottle of water. Some dynamic classes require a towel (mop up all that sweat!) while others encourage you to bring a blanket or a relaxation or meditation shawl. For first class, you probably don’t need to go out and buy all the equipment-talk to your teacher of Yoga and she will advise you what you need. Some teachers have spare mattresses to borrow for new students-who can help until you are committed.

Make time to practice at home

Even better than watching a yoga class once a week is having a domestic regular yoga practice. About yoga retreats that I teach in Wales suggest always find a quiet place at home and doing just ten minutes of daily Yoga and meditation in order to keep this great post ‘ Wellness ‘ yoga class brightness!!! There are plenty of yoga DVDs and books around which can help with its practice of home, or you can enroll in a yoga class online, like the Studio Online Dru.

Whatever you choose, the old adage that an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory certainly applies to the process of starting a yoga class! Doing yoga regularly, you’ll feel fitter, calmer and more focused-and able to handle stress each day so much more easily. I wish you good luck on your journey of yoga!