Preparation for yoga class:
It is best to practice on an empty or nearly
empty stomach (at least 1-2 hours after a light meal).
Try to avoid caffeine and nicotine a minimum of an hour prior to
practice.
Wear loose comfortable clothing that doesn't constrict or bind.
Bring a yoga mat or beach size towel.
A water bottle is recommended.
* yoga mats will be available for purchase
What to expect in Vani’s yoga class:
We will begin class with a gentle warm up. Then focus our attention on breathing
practices (pranayama). The class will then practice some basic standing poses (sun
salutations and others), followed by floor work – backbends and forward bends. These
are traditional yoga postures which can be accommodated to all levels of students. We will
finish class with a long relaxation ( 5 minutes minimum).
About Pranayama ( breathing practices):
Breath allows us to take in energy or Prana (life force). In class we will focus
on both exhalations and inhalations. You will learn to breath deeply and to use the breath
to help you achieve deeper levels in different poses. During class, if you notice your
breathing becoming erratic or that you are having difficulty breathing deeply, these are
signs that you are working too hard and that you have exceeded your body's limit in the
pose. In each pose, you will learn to listen to your breath and to work within your range
of comfort.
About the Postures:
In both the standing poses and the floor work, we will focus on proper alignment.
This protects the joints and muscles. I will demonstrate the poses and also provide you
with alternate poses if you have any special needs (i.e. arthritis, knee surgery,
fibromalgia etc.) The benefits of each pose will be discussed. During class, you will be
asked to listen to your body – you know it best, and you must always work within a
comfort zone. Class is a non competitive environment and your time there should be a
pleasant experience.
Before Class:
Please let me know if you have any medical contraindications I should be aware of
– such as high blood pressure, heart condition, etc. I also should be notified if you
are pregnant or have recently had surgery. If you have any questions regarding the
advisability of yoga, please check with your doctor.
LINKS
http://www.yogaville.org/index.html
http://www.movingintostillness.com/
http://www.sivananda.org/index.shtml
http://www.emeraldcoastyoga.com