Some tips about starting yoga:

Helpful to know when you start asana practice:

1. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement of the body. Particularly no tight waist bands! You may want to have something warmer to put on for relaxation at the end of the class. Ideally it is helpful to practice on a ‘sticky’ mat we provide these at Samadhi but if you are going to practice at home consider investing in a mat as this will greatly aid your practice. Mats are available from the studio.

2. Try not to eat a heavy meal 1 - 2 hours before the class, a full abdomen may make you uncomfortable and sleepy.

3. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. We are all different and some people can do some postures with ease whilst struggling with others. Yoga is not a competition. Likewise the teacher may come and adjust you during the class, this does not mean you were doing something ‘wrong’ it is just a guide towards helping you gain more from the posture. You know your own body best so never blindly follow instructions. Work with what feels best for you.

4. Do try your best though, self-effort is a yogic discipline, this also includes consciously relaxing.

5. Concentrate on your breathing. The breath makes the difference between yoga and other less ‘holistic’ forms of exercise. Your breath will enable you to relax and following it helps to keep your mind focused.

6. Don’t push or force yourself into stretches. Remember to move into child’s pose and rest if you become dizzy or too tired.

7. Yoga provides fantastic support and treats many injuries, areas of pain and discomfort, high or low blood pressure and is excellent in pregnancy and during the post-natal period. However if you do have any special needs always let the teacher know so she can give you amendments to postures where appropriate.

8. For women when you are menstruating avoid holding inverted (upside down) postures such as shoulder stand for any long amount of time. Instead practice the ‘legs up the wall’ posture. Also during this time of the month always work gently and reduce the stronger more challenging postures.

9. You may experience light-headedness, cramping or other physical complaints after a dynamic class. Newly stretched muscles release toxins, which can cause some of these symptoms. It’s a good sign some positive change is happening in the body and soon passes. Drink lots of water and try to have a hot bath or shower.

You will find instant benefits in attending just one yoga class. So, if in the beginning it is difficult to practice regularly don't worry, build slowly on your practice so it becomes sustainable. There's no point burning out and having to stop altogether. When you are ready to start with a little more regularity try to attend a class once a week. For long term benefits and real changes to the energetic and physical form of the body ideally practice every day or at least three times a week. Little and often is a useful framework in the beginning and an hour of practice at home may seem daunting, so ten minutes is fine. Set yourself very manageable goals and remember yoga is a support and delight not a chore. You'll be surprised how time goes as you begin to practice more and more. Start to ask questions of your body and see how you respond to different postures, timings and approaches to practicing. Practicing yoga is not just a physical work out, you are working with your body’s energy and gradually the practice will draw you in.

We hope your discovery of yoga is uplifting and joyful and we wish you many blessings along the way.