Practicing Yoga

1. How should I prepare for a practice session?
2. Why do we need to be relaxed before beginning yoga?
3. Do I need special equipments to practice yoga?
4. What equipments or props do I need?
5. What kind of clothes should I wear?
6. Should I eat before or after Yoga?
7. Can I drink water during Yoga?
8. What is the benefit of breathing during yoga?

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.

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.

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. 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 scent

Q6. 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.

Q7. Can I drink water during Yoga?

Practicing yoga everyday is desirable. But if you have a time crunch, practicing thrice a week is optimal. But this does not mean that you need to practice aggressively in order to make up. Obviously, the more you practice, the more you benefit, but not at the cost of hurting yourself.

Q7. 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.