How to Get the Most Out of Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful way to achieve both inner and outer transformation. With regular yoga practice you can expect increased flexibility, strength and general health as well as improved mood, sleep and a sense of inner peace. Here are some tips to get the most out of your yoga practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A great yoga teacher
• Yoga mat
• Comfortable clothing

1. Find a great yoga teacher to study with. The best way to learn yoga is from a real teacher, in a yoga class or private lesson. DVDs and books with yoga routines are fine for someone with some experience, but only a living teacher can ensure that you are doing postures correctly with your body in proper alignment. This will prevent injury and help you get the most benefit from your practice.
2. Take your time. Yoga was never meant to be rushed. Come in and out of postures slowly and take time to really feel each posture. Often the more slowly you move in yoga, the greater the benefit.
3. Close your eyes. It doesn't matter what anyone else in your class is doing, and comparing yourself to others is not what yoga is about. Once you have observed enough to understand a posture, just close your eyes and go within. Allow yourself to be completely present with the posture, your body and your spirit.
4. Alignment is more important than how far you can stretch. Often beginners try hard to look like they are doing well by trying to stretch really far in a pose. This is a mistake because it often involves rounding the back or twisting the body in an unhealthy way. It doesn't matter if you can't touch your toes. Just stretch as far as your body will go, while still doing the posture correctly. You will still get all of the health benefits. No one is watching or judging you.
5. Use modifications when you need them. Any good yoga teacher will offer a modified, easier way to do a pose for anyone who is having trouble. Working with a modification is nothing to be embarrassed about and you will get the same health benefits as you would with the more difficult version of the posture. The important thing is working to the best of your personal ability, not trying to conform to some external standard of perfection.
6. Breathe. Yoga is not just about postures. Working with the breath brings some of yoga's best health benefits. A good yoga teacher will keep you focused on the breath as you move through postures, and it will also work on various breathing techniques with you.
7. Practice. Yoga is something that grows gently with you over the years and will truly transform your life if you stick with it. In addition to going to class, try to practice a bit of yoga at home each day. You can either run through your favorite postures and breathing techniques on your own, or work with a DVD.

Tips & Warnings

• When practicing yoga, always wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and breathe freely. A good yoga mat will help keep you from slipping.
• If a pose feels painful or wrong for your body, don't do it! Always ask your yoga teacher for a safe modification.

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