Things You'll Need:
- yoga mat
- yoga blanket (optional)
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Step 1
Sign up for your class. Yoga is very popular today across the country, especially in big cities.
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Step 2
Prepare for your class. Purchase a yoga mat and workout clothes that allow you to stretch in comfort.
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Step 3
Avoid eating for at least an hour before class.
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Step 4
Get a good night's sleep before class. Since some of the postures, meditation and breathing exercises can be very relaxing, you could find yourself dozing and missing out on the next posture if you're not well rested.
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Step 5
Breathe deeply and follow the teacher's instructions for breathing exercises. This part of yoga is called "pranayama."
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Step 6
Move into the postures (the asanas) gently. Only do what your body feels comfortable doing. Try to imitate exactly what the instructor is showing you as much as you are able. As time goes on, you will build greater strength and flexibility.
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Step 7
Follow the instructor in meditations and any chanting. Hatha yoga is thousands of years old, and is a philosophy of living as well as a physical exercise. Yoga literally means "union or yoke"--unifying the mind, physical body and emotions into a harmonious whole.
