Clothing should be loose and comfortable to allow easy movement of the body. In the cooler months, have socks and a jumper on hand to keep you warm during the relaxation sessions.

Try not to eat 1-2 hours before a Yoga class. A full abdomen will make you uncomfortable and tired.

Yoga is non-competitive. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else, let your focus remain with you. Simply be aware of your own abilities. Yoga is beneficial to all, regardless of age, level of fitness or state of health.

Self-effort is a Yoga discipline. Try your best, no matter how many times you have practised a posture. Experiment with the Yoga postures to discover how it best suits you and how you can improve on your practise of a posture. If you are uncertain about anything, discuss it with your yoga teacher.

Allow yourself to relax - relaxation is a necessity for everyone, especially in the busy and stressful lives we lead today.

Concentrate on your breathing in each of the Yoga postures. Your breath will help your muscles relax and will keep the mind focused. Breath awareness is important to promote a steady progress.

Don’t push or force yourself into postures. Be aware of the limitations of your own body - only you can take care of yourself. The emphasis is on letting go rather than pushing the body beyond its abilities.

Yoga is also about awareness. During the class, heighten your senses and engage them to experience all the sensations in your body and be aware of the activity of your mind. Also be aware of your personal space and keep the area around your yoga mat clean and uncluttered.

Rest when you need to! Use resting time to reflect and absorb your Yoga experience.

Cautions to be aware of:

During menstruation ladies are recommended to practise the more gentle Yoga exercises and avoid inverted poses (upside down poses). During this time be careful not to exert the body.

All physical conditions are important for your Yoga instructor to know about before the class so that they can offer variations on certain exercises.

Slight physical discomforts may be experienced after a Yoga class. Newly stretched muscles may respond by cramping or twitching and toxins liberated from usually tense muscles may cause headaches or nausea. This is a good sign that your body is detoxing! Symptoms will quickly disappear by drinking water, a warm shower and breathing fresh air.

Pregnant woman can practise Yoga at all stages throughout pregnancy. Inform the instructor the trimester of pregnancy so that appropriate variations and recommendations can be made. Meditation and relaxation is wonderfully beneficial for mother and child.

Some Yoga Vocabulary

Asana:
Yoga posture

Full yoga breath:
Inhaling deeply without force, first into lower lungs, feeling the abdomen rise. Then filling the mid portion of the lungs, feeling side-ribs expand and finally taking the breath to the top of the lungs, feeling the top of the chest rise. Exhaling slowly from the top of the chest and down towards the abdomen. A powerful tool to teach full breathing.

Meditation:
Sit comfortably in any position with back straight, arms, shoulders, face and abdomen relaxed. Allow the body to become peaceful and still. Relax the mind by focusing on your breath.

Yoga Nidra:
Yoga Nidra is a deep relaxation technique that provides profound physical and mental relaxation. The ability to deeply relax at will deepens one’s own sense of inner peace and calm.