When you are new to Yoga you are probably
going to be uncertain as to what to expect when you first enter a beginner Yoga
Class on your first day. Most people are
uncertain about what they should even be looking for in a beginner Yoga class,
so this article will let you in on the four secrets to finding the right class
for you.
Secret Number One: Decide on what you want to achieve before
choosing a style.
The number of different reasons for taking up
Yoga is usually at least as high as the number of new people in a Yoga
class. Broadly people will be looking
for one of three things - physical health, mental health or spiritual
health. All three are important and all
three are realistic goals in a Yoga class.
Whatever it is you are trying to achieve through Yoga there will be a
class and style that is suitable for you.
You can research in a library, online or even by asking various Yogi and
this will help you find the Yoga that will get the best result for you.
It's worth actually setting some solid goals
and many newcomers are surprised at how willing a Yoga instructor is to talk
over these goals with them and discuss whether they are realistic or an
alternative may be better suited.
Secret Number Two: Join a class-by-class program
These are sometimes referred to as drop in
classes, or pay as you go. These are a
good way of getting a feel for Yoga.
There will be a regular turnover of other students in the classes and
the contrasting level will mean the instructor will keep the classes at a relatively
mild level and give everyone a taste of many different aspects of Yoga.
The advantage of this method is of course
that you are not committed to an expensive series of classes and you can get a taste
for Yoga and see what types of Yoga interest you. You will also quickly learn whether the goals
you set earlier are realistic for you or even too low and need expanding upon.
Your next step will be to choose a series of
classes in the areas that you found most suitable from the drop in classes. These classes will build on each other from
week to week and you may find yourself behind if you miss a week.
Secret Number Three: Ensure that you are being taught by someone
who knows what they are doing.
Surprisingly
enough considering the relatively low intensity and the many physical benefits,
Yoga has begun to regularly show up on the statistics for sports injuries. Two key causes are identified. Firstly students pushing themselves too fast
too soon and secondly instructors with inadequate training or appreciation of
the individual level of their students (large classes are sometimes to blame
for this).
When you are considering a new class don't be
embarrassed to ask your Yoga instructor what their qualifications and
background are. Many 'instructors have
nothing more than a three day training course in 'gym yoga' and many people put
this in the 'enough knowledge to be dangerous category'. Traditionally a student would train for many
years under a guru before they would be considered fit to pass on even the
simplest of Yoga techniques to another novice.
The Yoga Alliance is a United States organization
that features a register of teaches who have completed 'appropriate'
training. This means having completed
courses that meet a certain standard. A
nice rule to work by is that less than 200 hours of instruction would mean a
part time Yoga education.
Secret Number Four: Be aware of hidden costs.
An
unpleasant surprise that can put people right off Yoga is turning up to the
first class and finding that there are expenses that they haven't allowed
for. Some studios require each student
to have their own mat, a special strap or other props. Some classes will work through a book which
you are obliged to buy and some classes will have a dress code ranging from
specific colors to specific articles of clothing. Being unaware of any of these things and
being refused your first class because of them can be very off-putting.
An
Introduction to Bikram Yoga
Most people have a passing knowledge with
what Yoga is, or think they know about what it sets out to achieve. But until you have tried Yoga it is
impossible to know whether you have the type of personality that can truly
excel under its influence. Yoga, quite
simply can be a life changing experience and the discipline and mental strength
that result from it can completely change your perspective and world view.
One method of Yoga which is currently very
popular is known as Bikram Yoga. Bikram
Yoga, often referred to as 'hot yoga' follows the Bikram Yoga Method. As with all Yoga it has multiple goals - to
build your inner strength as well as your outer physical strength. A vital component of Bikram Yoga is the
flexibility and balance required to perform the exercises and it is believed
that this comes from mental strength as much as physical practice. The roots of Bikram are in Hatha Yoga, which
is a healing form of Yoga that strengthens both body and mind.
The founder of Bikram Yoga was Bikram Choudhury,
a yoga practitioner and innovator. After
a weightlifting accident Bikram Choudhury was determined to recover and set
about investigating the healing ability of practicing certain types of
exercise. The result was Bikram Yoga,
which so many people found to be an effective method of healing that its
tenants were recorded and passed on as a new form of Yoga. Those who practice Bikram Yoga purely for its
healing benefits are plentiful, but there is also a strong holistic component,
which is a key reason behind using Bikram Yoga for many of those who are
regular users.
They key to success with Bikram Yoga is to
develop the mental strength required to discipline yourself in its use. If you can master this side of the Yoga then
the physical benefits will be forthcoming.
They have been proven by scientists including a group from the Tokyo
University Hospital. The medical
benefits are beyond question and have been shown to improve chronic ailments as
well as greatly assist in the treatment and recovery of tissue injuries.
At
the 1972 International Medical Conference the findings were presented and it
was concluded that Bikram Yoga had the ability to assist in the recovery of
internal tissue. The explanation given
was that the positions practiced by Bikram Yoga replenish cells and assist in
the lymphatic system flushing toxins from the body. In addition to the toxin drain the cells are
assisted by higher oxygen flows during and after exercise.
Bikram showed that to get the best benefits
from the exercise a healthy and well balanced body was important. Where the body is weak Bikram Yoga will have
less effect in the healing process, which relies on correct balance and
circulation.
Bikram demonstrated 26 exercises and
recommended a regime, which was to be practiced every single day in order to
best treat the body. Each posture
exercise was developed based on a background of both Eastern and Western Yoga
disciplines. They all focus on the
movement and pressure on muscles, nerves, ligaments glands and organs. The exercises are meant to be performed
together and in sequence, because they are all inter-related to each other.
Bikram Yoga is low impact and can be
performed by people of all different ages.
The important component is the discipline required to perform the
posture exercises every day for maximum benefit.
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