Yoga Beginner: Our General Practice Guidelines for yoga is a
must read if you are new to the practice.
We cover all of the do’s and don’ts to having a effective yoga
experience.
1: Duration
of practice
Your day by day practice should be between 15 to
90 minutes long and done 1-6 times every week, depending on your schedule,
ability and goals. Practicing more
frequently with shorter practice times will yield greater results that
practicing less frequently with longer practice times.
2: Drinking
and eating
It is not advisable to drink or eat right before
a yoga practice "particularly if you are practicing inversions". Eat
no less than 1-3 hours before and drink only small amounts of water before
practice, and do not drink during your practice if possible.
3: When
not to practice yoga
Please read the contraindications for every
posture before doing it. Pregnancy, Menstruation, high blood pressure and
injuries to the shoulders, neck, and knees are all conditions where certain
postures must be proper care and avoided must be taken in all postures. If you
have any medical condition, you should check with your health care expert
before starting a yoga practice.
4: How
to choose postures
Choose to practice postures that look like you
can do them. Postures done on the floor are going to be easier than standing
postures, as they don't require as much balance or strength. Likewise, postures
that have longer recommended hold times (in breaths) are going to be easier to
do.
Utilize our
yoga posture sequences as a starting foundation and stage for your
practice sequence.
5: Moderate
the level of intensity
You can make your yoga practice as vigorous and
challenging as you want. We recommend you start slowly and make sure you
understand the postures of alignment - Yoga Newton. There are three ways to increase the
intensity of your practice: 1, hold postures for longer and longer periods of
time; 2, slowly build your practice up to more challenging and advanced
postures; 3, move quickly between postures. Read our Challenge Yourself
article.
6: What
to wear
Comfortable clothing, Loose or tights / unitards
work best. Its important to wear something that will not confine your movement.
7: Modify
the postures for your body
The pictures and instructions of the yoga
postures are the “goal,” meaning the way you are going towards, not where you
should be. Explore and Experiment different alignment and positions to make the
posture work for your body.
