Q1. How should I prepare for a practice session?
Yoga is a powerful discipline that can improve
health and fitness. Regular You should take care that you do not eat a
heavy meal before practicing. You should wear comfortable clothes; a
large blanket, towel or yoga mat is suitable for practicing on.
Q2. Why do we need to be relaxed before beginning yoga?
Relaxation is one of the most enjoyable and
beneficial parts of my yoga practice. It helps calm my mind and relieve
the stress of daily living. Relaxation before you begin will help you
get into the proper state of mind. Take a few minutes to relax between
each series of postures to help re-center yourself and feel the benefits
of the postures you've completed.
Q3. Do I need special equipments to practice yoga?
Your body is really the most important 'equipment'
that you need. Yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, without special
equipment, and by people of all ages. You basically do not need anything
to practice Yoga. The important thing is the attitude - a big heart and
a small ego. There are some supplies that are basic and which can help
you be more comfortable and safer in your practice.
Q4. What equipments or props do I need?
The most basic equipment for yoga is the yoga mat.
Using a mat, a blanket, or towel will provide support and added comfort
when you do lying or sitting positions.
The beauty about having one's own mat is the fact
that purely by laying it down on the studio floor, beach, back yard,
park - or wherever - the intention to focus, become immersed and attuned
to your yoga space in preparation for practice is signified. It
sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps
create just the right mental state for a session. A sticky mat is
recommended highly as it helps to ensure that you're able to perform
certain poses safely, with minimum risk of slipping.
Q5. Why do I need props?
The yoga props help you achieve the proper
alignment, balance and make the pose a bit easier. The use of props also
minimizes the strain and supports your muscles, thus allowing you to
save your energy by exerting less effort on a pose.
The props provide support, enabling you to do the poses that ailments
or old age may prevent from doing.
Q6. What kind of clothes should I wear?
While practicing yoga it is recommended to wear
loose or stretching clothes. In other words, yoga clothes you choose
should be comfortable and functional and not distract you from your
practice.
Natural fabrics, like cotton, are preferable, as your skin doesn't
breathe well under lycra. This is especially important if you sweat a
lot. If you wear a sweatshirt, wear a t-shirt underneath in case you
become too warm. Wear comfortable shorts or leggings for supportive,
yet unrestricted, movement. Yoga pants or shorts are a great idea. When
you choose the shorts, keep in mind that you might have to spend some
time on your head, so make sure they are relatively tight.
Yoga is traditionally practiced bare foot- this gives you a sense of
close contact with the ground and allows the muscles in you feet to
operate freely. However, socks or soft-shoes can be put on.
Avoid wearing perfume or other scents.
Q7. Should I eat before or after Yoga?
You should avoid meals at least two hours before
class. Snacks and light meals are okay. It is best to practice yoga on
an empty stomach. It's best not to eat 1½ hours before class, mainly
because it is uncomfortable to have food in the stomach when you're
bending, twisting, and exerting yourself. If you need to eat before a
class, give as much time as you can and eat lightly; yogurt and fruit
for example.
Q8. Can I drink water during Yoga?
Yes, definitely. In fact, you should drink plenty
of water before, during and after yoga practice. During your practice,
your body will likely sweat and release toxins. Water is necessary to
help you flush out the toxins and replenish any lost fluids. After your
practice you will probably be thirsty, so cool, refreshing water will
seem like a wonderful reward after all your hard work.
Q9. Can I listen to music?
Though music is found to have a relaxing effect on
us, but yoga in itself is a relaxing method. It is generally
recommended to practice in a calm and serene environment. There is
nothing in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gita or the Sutras of Patanjali
saying you to do asana with ocean sounds. It seems to be an entirely
Western invention.
Q10. Can I burn incense while practicing yoga?
No, you shouldn't. It's not a good idea to burn
incense while practicing yoga. The smoke can cause disturbance and
hinder in the process of reaching within yourself. However, you can burn
incense before practicing postures in order to create a nice
atmosphere, but there should not be smoke in the air during the time of
actual practice.
Q11. Why do they always have savasana (final relaxation) in a yoga class?
Savasana is one of the most important
poses. It's the reward for all the hard work you've done. It allows your
breath to normalize and lets the oxygen flow through the relaxing body.
Savasana lets prana (energy) to balance out throughout your body. Never skip your final relaxation!
Q12. What is the benefit of breathing during yoga?
In yoga breath is said to connect the mind and the body. The power of breathing practice or pranayama
to change your state of mind is extremely strong. Deliberately changing
the speed, depth and duration of your breath can have profound effect
on your mind at a low level as well as a higher level. Together asana and pranayama help us to connect with the universal consciousness throughout our daily lives.
