GENERAL YOGA PRACTICE GUIDELINES!

GENERAL YOGA PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Although each yoga class is a unique experience, the following are some general guidelines for practice:

When not to practice yoga:

Please read the contraindications for each posture before doing it. Menstruation, pregnancy, high blood pressure and injuries to the knees, shoulders, and neck are all conditions where certain postures must be avoided and special care must be taken in all postures. If you have any medical condition, you should check with your health care professional before starting a yoga practice.

“Awareness” is the key:

Yoga should be done with full awareness. The key is to constantly remind ourselves to be aware of the poses and breathing and to bring our wandering mind back to focus on the moment.

Modify the postures for your body:

The instructions and pictures of the yoga postures are the "goal," meaning the direction you are going towards, not where you need to be. Experiment and explore different positions and alignment to make the posture work for your body.

Moderate the level of intensity:

You can make your yoga practice as challenging and vigorous as you want. We recommend you start slowly and make sure you understand the alignment of postures. There are three ways to increase the intensity of your practice: one, hold postures for longer and longer periods of time; two, slowly build your practice up to more advanced and challenging postures; three, move quickly between postures. 

How to choose postures:

Choose to practice postures that look like you can do them. Postures done on the floor are going to be easier than standing postures, as they do not require as much strength or balance. Also, postures that have longer recommended hold times (in breaths) are going to be easier to do.

Duration of practice:

Your daily practice should be between 15 to 90 minutes long and done 1-6 times per week, depending on your schedule, goals and ability.  Practicing more frequently with shorter practice times will yield greater results that practicing less frequently with longer practice times.

Abstain from excessive and loud talking.

Be consistent in your practice.

Do not forget to breathe while practicing poses as breathing is an important part of yoga.

Do not strain yourself or push yourself beyond your capacity.

Avoid eating a large meal right before class... a small snack and water are great to have instead

Classes are appropriate for all levels, from beginner to advanced since modifications are available to meet the needs of each student.

 Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Always feel free to ask for modifications or alternatives to a particular pose.

 Talk with your instructor about any questions or concerns that arise for you.

 Be compassionate and patient with yourself. Yoga is not a competition or a performance. Your practice will grow and progress as your awareness deepens.

 The studio has mats, blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters available for your use.

 Please remove shoes before entering the studio and place them in the cubbies provided.

 Respect the quiet and sacred space of the studio upon entering.

 Turn off all cell phones and pagers.

 Notify the instructor if you are pregnant, have a health concern, injury or illness, or if you are a new student.

 We are a hands-on studio. If you prefer not to be adjusted physically, please inform your instructor before class begins.

 Be mindful of space and make room for other students to place their mats.

 Please stay for the duration of the class. Leaving early not only disrupts the energy created within a class, but deprives you of total relaxation and the full integration of your experience.

If you do need to leave early, please inform the instructor prior to class and exit before final relaxation.

Yoga can be a beautiful process of reconnecting your body, mind and spirit. If there is anything we can do to assist you on your path, please let us know. Thank you for allowing us to share this experience with you.