Yoga - Getting Started

Now that I have told you just how wonderful yoga is and how it can benefit your body and mind, it is time for everyone to start to practice. Over the coming weeks, I am going to do some step by step guides to basic yoga sequences and stretches to use before and after your work out sessions. You don’t need to go to a yoga class to practice yoga! It does not matter who you are, how old you are, where you are or what sport you do. Everyone can practice yoga.

Greetings

This picture is me with my hands pressed together at the hearts centre, bowing forward with my hands still together. This would be done in class from the teacher to the students and from the students to the teacher. NAMASTE is said and the meaning for this is "I bow to you". It is used as a respectful greeting and also to say thankyou.

Some advice before practicing yoga

• Empty your bowels and bladder before doing yoga
• Practice yoga on an empty stomach – ideally 3-4 hours after eating. This is why so many yogis practice in the early hours of the morning!
• Breath through your nose – never hold your breath in a pose. Don’t worry, I will teach you how to co-ordinate your breathing. It may seem difficult to begin with but will become easier
• Work slowly and be aware of your body movements – yoga is slow and controlled
• Wear light, comfortable and non-restrictive clothing
• Get a yoga mat to stop you slipping
• Have a yoga block, towel and blanket to hand
• If you have any medical condition, or experience any pain, check with your doctor

Useful Equipment

In yoga, we use all sorts of pieces of equipment to get the most out of yoga. Using equipment can help to make a difficult post more accessible, to stretch more deeply into postures, to prevent injury and overstretching, to support the body, to correct body alignment and help build confidence.

Three essentials to begin with are a yoga mat, which will prevent you from slipping, a yoga block and a towel. So before we get started, go and get yours!

My first exercise feature will be on the Sun Salutation, but if you have any questions or queries in the meantime, you can email me on rebecca@famouslyfit.com

See you next week.

NAMASTE