Yoga

Practicing Yoga

What to Wear

Clothing should be flexible, non-binding and appropriate to season and temperature. Shorts and a tee-shirt, tights and a leotard or a swimming suit work well and are popular. Socks are not ideal because they promoting slipping on the mat. Clothing should be comfortable; however, tighter clothing will help ensure that you and the teacher can spot any instances when your body is placed in a position that is not safe.

Equipment

We have a limited number of eco-friendly mats available for a $2 rental during class. First-timers can use a mat for free. Practicing at home is best on a non-slip, level surface, such as a good hardwood floor or linoleum. A firm rug can provide the stability needed. Carpets and rugs vary greatly as to the traction they provide. When a surface becomes wet from perspiration, its properties change; wooden floors become slippery, and tightly woven cotton rugs, and blankets give better traction. Be kind to the environment and look for the eco-mats!

Perspiration & Warm-Up

Yoga is the "Art of Work," meaning to act with ever increasing efficiency and intelligence. However, one should be prepared to sweat during class, particularly our more vigorous classes. Being "warmed up" is the best protection against injury, by helping one to move in an integrated and natural way.

Strain

At times, we can confuse enthusiasm with ambition. It is best to avoid straining, clenching your teeth, hunch your shoulders, or holding your breath! Of course, some of these you will learn with regular yoga practice! Slow, consistent, grounded practice works. Yoga is also a practice of patience. Be patient as you observe your mind, body, and spirit transform with continued practice at home or at Balance! If you are confused about strain, please consult your yoga teacher for guidance.

Soreness & Pain

A pleasant soreness in the bellies of some muscles is common, especially if you are progressing with an intelligent enthusiasm. This is good. Pain in the joints, however, is an indication of poor form and alignment. In this case one must pull back and study the posture more closely. Safety should be all of ours first concern. If you feel any sudden pain, stop immediately and ask for help from the teacher. If you start to feel pain later, consult your yoga teacher for guidance. Our yoga teachers can help find any modifications to facilitate the enjoyment of your yoga experience.

Breathing

Correct breathing is essential in the postures. Breathing should should be controlled, smooth, and even. Overall it should be pleasant, bringing awareness and alignment to the whole body. You will learn better breathing the more you practice yoga particularly with the guidance of a teacher.

Therapeutic Applications

Yoga is naturally therapeutic and generates excellent health. However, the use of yoga for specific health problems should be done under personal guidance with the consultation of a physician. Yoga teaches proper alignment and breathing, which is, of course, beneficial to health. But when trying to cure serious health problems, individual instruction is imperative. Always seek the guidance of qualified health professionals.

The Menstrual Cycle

Women have varying levels of ability throughout the menstrual cycle. It is important to note that often inverted postures are taught to be or done with caution. There are different perspectives on this practice. The best advice is to listen mindfully to your own body's needs. Many postures like Trikonasana, Baddha Konasana, Balasana and Upavistha Konasana can relive pain around the sacrum and hips, as well as relieve cramps. They also promote deeper breathing which is conducive to a meditative state of mind. Consult with your teacher for more details on this type of practice.

Pregnancy

Yoga practice is beneficial during pregnancy, and can ease many of the discomforts involved. However, certain postures are not advisable, and, as fetal development proceeds, more postures need to be eliminated from the series. What to practice depends largely on the level of practice of the mother before conception. New students should attend special prenatal yoga classes with the consent of their physician! Postures such as Janusirsasana C, Marichyasana B&D, and Supta Hasta Padangusthasana need to be eliminated during the first term. Others follow as they become difficult. Experienced students should not try new, challenging or precarious postures which might endanger mother or fetus. It is a common sense matter. Consider our special Prenatal Class during times of pregnancy!

More Yoga Info

What is Yoga?

Studio Etiquette

Practicing Yoga

Stress Reduction

Introductory Yoga

50+ Yoga

Yoga for Athletes

Understanding Stress

Prenatal Yoga

Detoxify Your Body

Kripalu

TAYS

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