Articles : Yoga Class Guidelines

• Arrive early. Classes are well attended, so arriving early will ensure your place.
• Wear loose comfortable clothes to class so you can move easily.
• Have a stomach that is neither too full nor too empty.
• Most yoga classes are taught barefoot.
• Please bring a towel, blanket or yoga mat to class since some studios do not provide these.
• Do the best you can in class and don't overdo it. If it hurts, or you're "really gettin' a good burn" you may be taking it too far.
• Always, always go at your own pace and respect the limits of your body.

Yoga has many different meanings worldwide, but Westerners are most familiar with Hatha Yoga. This type of yoga uses physical postures or positions called asanas (pronounced ah-SA-nahs) to achieve health benefits. In general the poses consist of standing and balancing poses, twists, and forward and backbends, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. By practicing the poses of yoga, people increase their flexibility, strength, stamina and balance. Aside from the physical attributes of yoga, many individuals will find that stress is released and concentration is often improved. Many students experience some of these benefits after only one class; but with regular practice the benefits can be astonishing.

Just as there are many styles of dancing, like (ballroom, C&W, salsa, ballet), there are also many styles of yoga (Iyengar, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Kundalini). Some yoga is physically challenging and athletic, and other styles of yoga focus on relaxation and meditation. Even in the different styles of yoga, teachers will have their own presentation style and emphasize different aspects of the yoga they teach.

How to find a yoga teacher that's right for you:

• Consider what you want to get out of class and your present physical needs and limitations.
• Ask the teacher's advice about which class(es) you should take.
• Take classes in different styles and from different teachers until you find one that is right for you.
• After taking a class, review how you felt before and after the class. Did you have a rapport with the teacher? Was the intensity level of the class about right for you?
• Ask a teacher about their training or credentials.