Category: Beginners Yoga

Are you breathing in your Yoga class?

5/31/2017

Making a connection to your breath in your Yoga practice can be transformative. All to often we hold, stain or ignore the breath which can create tension in our bodies and minds. Exactly the opposite result of what we want from our Yoga class! Here are some top tips to encourage more breath and awareness during your Yoga practice.

Yoga is a practice of awareness.
Next time you attend a class or practice yourself, take a moment, mid flow to become aware of your breath. Ask yourself, 'Am I breathing?' 'How am I breathing?' Then....allow yourself to breathe!

You should be able to breathe at all times.
Notice if your breath becomes very shallow or stained. If you are having difficulty breathing it could be a sign you should back off a little on the intensity of the pose.

In Yoga we generally in inhale and exhale through the nose.
It is thought to be the best way to keep energy within the body. There maybe occasions we exhale through the mouth in order to give a feeling of release for a short period of time.

Surround your movement with breath.
The breath can initiate the movement. Coordinating the physical movement with breath creates flow and ease in our body. Timing your breath with the movement can be challenging, especially in a class with inhale/exhale cues from the Yoga instructor. Within reason, we would say always follow the timing of your own body and breath. It would be practically impossible for all the people in a Yoga class to be breathing at the same time for the duration of the class. The Yoga instructors cues are just meant as a guide and reminder.

Do we inhale or exhale in this movement/pose?
Forward bending postures are linked with the exhalation, a feeling of release, surrender and closing. Backward bending postures are linked with the inhalation, a feeling a wakening, joy and opening. Twists are normally practiced with an exhalation as we turn (as there is less space in the lungs as we twist) and an inhalation to return. This is a general way the breath is used to compliment a physical Yoga practice and why a Yoga instructor would be giving certain cues. The reasons why can be elaborated on and it is a massive subject, with some reasons why the above may vary too.

Top tip!
In a Yoga class, there maybe hundreds of inhale/exhale cues, strange new breathing techniques, other people breathing loudly around you and some people barely breathing at all! When in doubt the best thing to do is just breathe normally :)

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Lots of love
Hana and Aya xxx

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Top tips for taking your first Yoga class

4/18/2016

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Feeling a little nervous about attending your first ever Yoga class? No worries! Checkout our top tips for attending your first Yoga class.

Check the class description for the appropriate level and style. Yoga classes vary massively in style. Some classes are very physical and athletic, aiming to make you sweat and give you a challenge, whilst other classes aim slowly stretch and calm the body and mind. Check that the class is open to beginners and that the class style is what you want.
Arrive a little early incase you need to sign in or fill out any paper work and have time to speak with the teacher before the class. Let them know it is your first time practicing Yoga. Inform him/her about any medical condition or injures and any other concerns you may have about the class.
Wear comfortable work out clothes similar to what you would wear to the gym minus the sneakers. Yoga is done barefoot. For a hot Yoga class bring a bottle of water and if you sweat a lot bring along a small clean towel.
Don’t practice on a full stomach. Yoga postures can feel very uncomfortable if you have just eaten. Food is energy so make sure you eat but go for a smaller portions such as a banana or healthy snack about an hour before class.
Check if the studio has mats available. Most studios will have Yoga mats to use or rent but it helps to check in advance. Some people like to use their own mat for hygiene purposes which is fine as well. If you borrowed a mat wipe it down after class.

Let your breath guide you. If you start to feel your breath becoming shallow or forced ease off. Make sure you are not pushing yourself too hard or over stretching. Your breath should be smooth and deep. Focus on long exhales and inhales.
Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. If you need to take a break do so, you can rest in a child's pose or sit quietly in a comfortable seated position and join back in when you feel ready.
Respect others with Yoga etiquette. In some busy classes you may be close to the next person. Be mindful of personal hygiene but go easy on strong perfumes or cologne. Switch your phone off and leave texting and conversations until after class.
Keep an open mind and honor yourself. There will likely be a lot of things that are completely new to you including some teachers who may sing/chant. Join in if you fancy it or just quietly observe. If you feel uncomfortable or things don’t feel right for you in the moment it is okay, you do not have to do everything. Not every style of Yoga is suitable for everyone. Everything changes and as your life, body and Yoga practice changes so may the type of Yoga you prefer to practice.
And Finally… Enjoy! Keep a child like spirit and be open to learn. Don't take yourself too seriously and congratulate yourself for making positive healthy choices.

Thanks for Reading!
If you found this useful or have any other Yoga related questions. Please leave comments below.

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Are you breathing in your Yoga class?

Top tips for taking your first Yoga class

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