TRYING YOG CLASS FOR THE FIRST TIME
In recent times everyone has understood the importance of Yog (pronounced like Vogue!). I believe everyone should practice yogasan regularly. Therefore in this blog I am going to offer a few tips about starting yogasan practice and also address some of the misconceptions.
Things to consider before starting a Yog class for the first time:
1] If you are going to try your hand at Yogasan for the first time it's best to do it in an offline format i.e. in front of a teacher. It's very important to understand the nuances of Yog practice and it's only possible when you are physically present.
2] Although it's true that everyone should practice Yogasan its necessary to consider personal capacity and tolerance. All of us have differing flexibility and tolerance for physical activity. Performing all the Yogasan positions may not be possible for everyone. Therefore practice as per your tolerance.
3] Initially you might be able to hold a Yogasan steady only for a few seconds and might be able to participate in the Yog class only for 10 to 15 minutes. With regular practice your capacity will improve and you will be able to practice longer and harder.
4] It's very important to give as much attention to joints, muscles and breath as to an aasan position. Since ancient times all Yog gurus have emphasized this aspect again and again.
5] Make sure to wear comfortable clothes as Yogasan practice requires complete and free movement of all the joints.
6] It's better to practice on an almost empty stomach so that no aasan will cause discomfort. If practicing early in the morning you can eat a small fruit like a banana/ dates etc. about an hour earlier. This way you will get necessary calories without the stomach getting full.
7] Please consult your Doctor before practicing Yogasan to find out if any positions or actions are to be avoided.
Now let's address some misconceptions about Yog practice:
1] Yogasan practice is always harmless- Please remember that any physical activity performed beyond one's capacity can be harmful and yogasan is no exception to this. Therefore practice carefully and increase the difficulty level slowly.
2] Yogasan practice is too easy and doesn't provide any challenge - Although Yogasan are not performed fast, forcefully or with music beats, they are challenging. There is a challenge to keep the focus on body and breath apart from assuming aasan positions which are new and unfamiliar to the body.
3] My body is not flexible therefore I can not perform Yogasan- There are many easy to perform Yogasan to choose from. After practicing the easy aasans for some time your flexibility will improve and it will be possible to try more difficult aasans.
4] My Yogasan position doesn't look as good as the guide book/video or my teacher. Is my practice useful? - Our yogasan positions will look different depending on our flexibility, age and capacity. It's important to remember that it's a journey and making a regular effort is most important. You will definitely feel the benefit.
It's advisable to learn Yogasan from an able teacher. Get a program custom made for your needs and practice it regularly. Yogasan are very helpful to increase tenacity and resilience of the body. Yogasan are also very useful to avoid repetitive stress injuries (injuries which occur due to performing any action repetitively e.g. using a computer for many hours.) as well as wear and tear of the body amongst sports players and athletes. Natural wear and tear caused by aging can also be mitigated by Yogasan practice. Yogasan practice is very helpful to achieve mental peace, emotional and intellectual balance.
No comments:
Post a Comment