The Mind-Body Benefits of Yoga

There are countless benefits of yoga, and most of them apply to your mind and body simultaneously. When we hold tension, trauma, stress, or fear in our bodies, it not only causes mental distress but physical problems as well. So many physical ailments are made worse from (if not directly caused by) stress, from tension headaches to digestive problems and more. Here are just a few high-level benefits you’ll get from a regular yoga practice:

Yoga….

• Strengthens your muscles
• Reduces stress
• Increases range of motion and flexibility
• Boosts circulation
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves focus and concentration
• Alleviates chronic pain
• Improves your balance
• Helps you sleep better

When tension is relieved from your body and mind, your overall health improves. Incorporating yoga into your weekly workout routine can help your muscles and mind recover, which is so important for a well-balanced fitness regimen.

How To Quiet Your Mind

Yoga is not only physically challenging, but mentally challenging as well. In fact, perhaps one of the hardest parts of a yoga practice is learning how to quiet the mind in moments of stillness. While different yoga styles offer different things, almost all of them will incorporate moments of stillness or meditation. Many classes incorporate this part at the end where you’ll wrap up your practice in savasana or “corpse” pose. Some newbies find savasana (usually the last part of a class) the hardest part of yoga—it looks something like this:

• you lie on your back in gentle relaxation
• the instructor will help you find a quiet breathing pattern
• you be encouraged to listen to the sound of your breath
• listening to your own breathing helps draw attention away from your busy mind
• for those who have difficulty, it help to find a mantra, or phrase, that you can repeat with each breath. Something simple like “Just be” or “I am grateful.” The repetition matched with the breath is very soothing

Just like in meditation, it’s important to remember during a yoga class to simply let your thoughts come and go. We all have “monkey mind” as they call it, where our thoughts jump around chaotically, but don’t judge yourself—become the peaceful observer of your thoughts and watch them come and go. Learning to quiet your mind during yoga or meditation takes practice, so allow yourself to be a beginner and do the best you can.

Do’s and Don’ts of your First Yoga Class

Here are a few tips to help you navigate your first yoga class. Remember: don’t be intimidated! The yoga community is centered around compassion and non-judgment—you’re in a safe space.

DO find an instructor you like

Just like there are different kinds of yoga you can try, each yoga instructor has a different teaching style. You might find one whose teaching style you like right away, or you might try a few different classes to see what you prefer best.

DON’T take a hot yoga class right out the gate

Look for beginner classes in either Hatha or Vinyasa. Hot yoga is fun, but save the heat for later on once you’ve mastered some of the poses because yes, the heat makes it harder!

DO let the instructor know you’re new

Instructors will offer more support and guidance if they know it’s your first time. They may suggest modifications or offer to stay and provide additional help. Don’t hide in the back if you want to find success.

DON’T bring your cell phone

Nothing kills the vibe of a yoga class more than someone’s ringtone going off—leave your phone in the lockers or cubbies that most studios and gyms have.

DO let the instructor know if you want to be adjusted or not

Before you begin any yoga class, the instructor will likely ask the class to raise their hands if they do not want to be adjusted during the class. Adjustments are used to help you perform your poses with proper form. Most yoga instructors will walk around the class and gently place their hands on you to help you find proper form if you need some adjustment. However, if you’d prefer not to be touched, there is no shame in raising your hand and saying you’d prefer not to be adjusted. It’s whatever you’re comfortable with, and the instructor wants you to enjoy your practice.

DON’T wear an oversized t-shirt or sweats

The minute you find your first downward dog, that big t-shirt will fall over your head, be covering your face and exposing your belly. Yoga should be done in fitted or gently fitted clothing. You can even put your clothes on at home and try out a few poses to be certain.

DON’T walk out during the final relaxation

No matter what your personality is—yes, even if you are “Type A”—it is healthy and important for you to be still for a few moments and to train your body and mind to relax. Think of it as your dessert after a healthy meal. If for not other reason, however, don’t walk out during final savasana because you will annoy the other class members! It’s a no-no.

DO consider buying a package

Drop-in classes at most yoga studios will be pricier than if you buy a package of ten classes at a time or one month unlimited. If you want to go back after your first class, consider buying a package to save money.

DON’T go to class on a full stomach

A small snack an hour beforehand is perfect. 100-200 calories of something that sits well in your stomach like a banana or toast with peanut butter is perfect. A full meal is not. You bend, twist and move in ways that likely won’t work on a full tummy.

DO see if you need to bring your own yoga mat

Call ahead and find out if mats are provided. Sometimes they are, sometimes they are for a cost, and sometimes you have to bring your own. Find out in advance. Don’t forget to bring a small towel for your sweat and a bottle of water.

DON’T be afraid to go to child’s pose if you need

Yoga is challenging—it forces us to sit in discomfort, both physically and mentally as we work through hard poses and our brain’s own belief that “I can’t do this!” Any yoga instructor worth their salt will both encourage you to work through discomfort but also let you know that’s it’s fine to go into child’s pose—a comforting pose—whenever you need. Yoga is all about yourindividual journey.

DO try yoga at home!

Taking yoga classes at a studio or gym is great to get started, but once you’ve got your poses down, don’t be afraid to practice yoga at home, too.

How To Do A Sun Salutation

A staple of many Vinyasa yoga classes are sun salutations. As its name suggests, a sun salutation is a series of poses designed to energize you for the day ahead (although they can of course be done at any time). Though there are many types of sun salutations, here’s an example of one to get you started. You can practice this sun salutation series at home as many times as you want per day to build strength, increase flexibility, and start to get used to some of the basic poses in a Vinyasa yoga class.

1. Start in Mountain Pose

• Place the feet together or 2-3 inches apart, parallel, and facing forward.
• Inhale lifting out of the waist and sweeping the arms up reaching towards the sky.
• The palms are lightly pressed together with the shoulders back and down.

2. Exhale into Forward Fold

• Press the palms flat to the floor; if necessary, bend the knees slightly. If you have the flexibility, bring the finger tips in line with the toes.
• Reach the nose towards the knees.

3. Inhale and step the right foot back into Crescent Lunge

• Make sure the left knee is directly over the ankle and the toes and knees are pointing forward.
• Shoulders are back and down, the chest presses forward, crown lifts up, and the back leg is straight.

4. Step the left foot back into Plank

• The body is one straight line and in a push-up position.
• Press the heels back and reach the crown of the head forward.

5. Exhale down into Chaturanga

• Bend the knees to the floor if desired, then bend the elbows to lower the chin and chest to the floor.
• Hips stay slightly above chest with abs engaged.

6. Inhale into Up Dog

• Scoop the chest forward, straighten the arms, and roll onto the tops of the feet.
• Reach the crown of the head up, press the chest forward, and lift the hips and legs off of the floor. Bend the elbows slightly if it feels like you are straining the low back.

7. Exhale into Down Dog

• Tuck the toes under, bend the elbows, and lift the hips up and back.
• Press firmly into the hands and arms to press the hips back. Relax the back of the neck. Press the heels into the floor. The legs are straight or can be slightly bent to flatten the back.

8. Inhale and step right forward into Crescent Lunge

• Step the right foot forward between the two hands. Adjust the leg so that the knee is directly over the ankle and the toes and knee are pointing forward.
• Keep the back leg straight as you sink the hips down. The crown lifts up, and the chest and gaze are forward.

9. Exhale into Forward Fold

• Press the palms flat to the floor. If necessary bend the knees slightly. If you have the flexibility, bring the fingertips in line with the toes.
• Reach the nose in towards the knees.

10. Inhale and come back to Mountain Pose

• Lift out of the waist and sweep the arms up reaching towards the sky.
• End by lowering hands down to your sides in mountain pose or continue on to another sun salutation.