Indo American Association (IAA)
Yoga Tips
Yoga Home
- Yoga can be practiced by any age group. If any medical condition exists it is advisable to check with a doctor. (Most of the exercises in this session are not advisable during pregnancy). Yoga is generally done on an empty stomach (minimum 2 hours). Good to wear loose cotton clothing.
- The aim of yoga is to improve suppleness and strength. Each posture is performed slowly in fluid movement.
- A normal healthy muscle is stretched in a beneficial way to the point of discomfort but making sure not to stretch where pain is felt. If you haven't felt the discomfort you haven't stretched enough. If you feel pain you are over stretching, which can cause injury to the muscle.
- If you feel a cramp while stretching ease off and take a deep breath.
- Good health cannot be taken for granted but must be striven for. Focus on your postures to perfect them, even the most simplest ones. Regular practice with diligence and accuracy will help advance and master them.
- It is very important to maintain a balance in the strength of the muscles between the right and the left side of the body. It is equally important to maintain a good balance between the complementary muscles.
- While holding a posture, specific muscles are stretched forcing the heart to pump more oxygenated blood with nutrients (absorbed during metabolism) into that area, at the same time removing toxins, resulting gradually into building healthier muscles and flexible joints.
- In yoga one has to move with grace and precision, which is with controlled movements. No movement should be violent or rough.
- Mind uses a lot of energy in its thought process (on an average 10 thoughts per second). Tension and tightness restrict blood flow decreasing energy level. Relaxation and calmness restore energy.
- Yoga involves a thoughtful process. Do fewer exercises but with understanding of what muscles are being stretched. In the beginning it is essential to get the posture movements right.
- With daily practice and repetitions yoga will strengthen the muscles, tone up the internal organs, improve circulation and respiration, and increase the flexibility of the joints and the spine. Yoga helps balance and rejuvenate the system.
- Many of our daily habits tend to emphasize the use of one side of the body. To achieve a healthy and harmonious balance, it is important to keep all parts of the body equally strong and flexible. Yoga exercises make each group of muscles work equally on the left and right side of the body to maitain equilibrium.
- Never force the body into a posture or try to go beyond your limit. Ease yourself gently into the postures. Progress may be slow, but with time the body will become flexible and will get easier to practice those poses. Remember, yoga is not a competitive sport.
- Try to practice yoga everyday. A yoga session should be a joy. Set aside a time when you will not be disturbed and you will not have to rush. Morning practice helps loosen up stiff joints after sleep. Evening practice releases the tensions of the day. Whenever you practice yoga, avoid eating for at least two hours beforehand.
Ila
Campbell's External Website on Yoga
Return to BERA-IAA Homepage
Last Modified: January 31, 2008
Please forward all questions about this site to:
Ramesh Gupta
|
