Yoga can help you develop a better body and mind. It can increase your flexibility, improve your balance and strengthen your core muscles. It can also reduce stress levels and boost your energy.
However, it’s important to remember that yoga is not about competition or pushing yourself past your limits. Attempting to force yourself into poses that you aren’t ready for can lead to injury.
Adapt it to suit you
Yoga is a great practice for anyone at any age or ability. Many people find that their aches and pains are eased or even completely eliminated as they practice, while others develop the strength and confidence to cope with life’s challenges.
Whether you are a beginner, need a boost to your health or are rehabilitating from injury, there is a yoga class for you! The best way to meet your needs is to discuss them with the teacher. Some classes offer props like chairs and blocks which can be used to help support the body as it moves into poses or to assist with postures that may cause discomfort.
It’s also helpful to have a watch or a phone close by so that you can track the time as you go through the yoga flow. This helps you to stay focused and on task, preventing you from getting lost in thoughts or losing track of the time.
Find a place to practice
Yoga is a portable practice that can be enjoyed almost anywhere, from aeroplanes to dorm rooms. However, a dedicated home practice can enhance the experience.
It is important to find a space that suits your physical ability and comfort. If you’re unsure where to start, try reaching out to a few yogi friends for suggestions of local studios. Practicing with like-minded individuals is fun, effective and can help you build a community of support.
Yoga builds strength – both inner and outer – while also helping the body spend more time in the ‘rest and digest’ parasympathetic nervous system, which boosts the immune system and helps to prevent disease. This is why many cancer patients benefit from doing yoga. It helps to reduce stress, increase energy levels, improve sleep quality and help manage pain. It is a form of movement that exercises every muscle, joint and gland in the body – making it a great way to keep physically strong.
Don’t be afraid to do your own thing
Yoga is a practice of self-transformation. However, you are the only one who can make sound decisions for yourself. A teacher may be able to offer suggestions and guidance, but they don’t live in your body or feel what you feel.
Even if a pose looks challenging, don’t be afraid to do it. In fact, it will likely benefit you more if you try to master it than if you were afraid of not trying. Yoga is not a competition and the poses are designed to be done by all levels of practitioners.
In addition, the act of practicing in unison with others carries its own unique social benefits. It promotes bonding and can help keep you motivated to continue your practice outside of class.
Take it slow
Taking it slow can be a great way to enhance your yoga practice. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury.
By moving slowly, you can build up less lactic acid in the muscles. This can avoid painful muscle cramps. It also allows you to be more accurate in your movements, which will improve your alignment and balance. Slow movement also helps to encourage new connections between the brain and body. Fast movements reinforce old patterns; slow movements create new, healthier ones.
In addition, studies have shown that regular yoga practice can increase strength and flexibility. It can also help reduce stress and promote better sleep patterns. It is a good idea to speak to your doctor before beginning a yoga program. They may be able to recommend classes or instructors. They can also advise you against any poses that might aggravate your medical condition. They can also refer you to an allied health professional.