Learn yoga, but do it rightThose who have found their own personal connection to yoga will be unlikely to let anything deter them from practicing. Even busy schedules occasionally offer a gap. Some are grumpy morning people and therefore prefer to practice in the evening, right after work. Others prefer to start the day with a few exercises in the morning.
Anyone practicing this form should have some knowledge of yoga. You have to be especially careful in the morning because your muscles and joints aren't fully awake yet. Overstretching can cause problems. Don't take too many risks, or you could end up with strains or herniated discs. Long, gentle stretches are essential before the actual asanas . This may increase the total practice time, so set your alarm earlier so you don't have to rush. Yoga is not suitable under stressful circumstances. If it's getting too late, it's better to treat yourself to a few quiet minutes over breakfast instead of forcing yourself to do three more yoga poses.
Anyone who wants to practice at home should, as mentioned, have some yoga experience. Without a mirror, you can't see whether you're practicing correctly. If you have a good sense of your body, you can base your practice on that. It will tell you when to remain still and where you might need to stretch and work a little further. For all other aspiring yogis: A few hours with a good teacher are always a worthwhile investment. There are inexpensive courses at adult education centers. Private studios also offer a variety of classes. These are generally a bit more expensive. Through direct interaction, you'll learn a lot of new and interesting things. Plus, you might enjoy training in a group. Otherwise, you can book individual lessons, although these are also the most expensive.
Another way to train yourself is through the internet, DVDs, and TV programs. There are TV yoga programs that demonstrate a few yoga poses in a quarter of an hour or more. If you don't have time for that, you can record them and play them back at a more convenient time. Alternatively, there are pre-made DVDs available. Make sure you buy ones that match your yoga level. It's best to try out several DVDs, as every teacher trains differently, and not every one is right for you. You can, of course, also use an internet video and practice along. The advantage: It's available to you at any time.
Last but not least, there are a wealth of books dedicated to yoga exercises . The beauty of these books is that they usually also teach you a bit about yoga philosophy. If you're a beginner, you have to be especially careful with printed instructions to avoid making mistakes. No one will correct your posture, and at best, you'll only have pictures showing you the optimal posture. This is somewhat different from moving images on the internet or on television.
It's great if you can practice with someone. Then you can start in the way that suits you best.
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