The Yoga Space
Time to Relax. Space to Breathe. Room to Grow.
Information and Tips
How should I prepare for Yoga?
Try not to eat for 2 hours before yoga. A full stomach will make you feel bloated, tired and uncomfortable. If you really need to eat, try having a cup of tea, juice, or a piece of fruit not more than 1 hour before practice. You may need to experiment with what works best for you. DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL BEFORE CLASS.
What should I wear?
Clothing should be loose, light and comfortable, to allow easy movement of the body. A loose t-shirt that can be tucked in if necessary, cotton trousers, track pants or bike pants are ideal. Avoid really short-shorts and overly tight clothes that restrict circulation. If you have long hair you may wish to tie it back.
What should I tell the Instructor?
Inform the teacher of any health conditions and any previous/current injuries that may affect your practice. If you have high blood pressure, dizziness or heart conditions – always inform your Yoga instructor BEFORE the class. The Instructor can offer you suitable variations on the poses.
What can I expect?
Some of the benefits of yoga are: improved posture, strength, flexibility, stress reduction, confidence, balance and improved health. There are many more.
Beginners and even advanced students may experience side-effects during or after yoga practice. These include: light-headedness, headaches, dizziness and cramps. Newly worked muscles can respond by cramping and twitching as they learn the most efficient use of energy.
Toxins can be released from tense muscles and may cause headache. This is usually a sign that your body is detoxing. These side effects can be reduced by drinking water, having a warm shower and breathing fresh air.
If you feel dizzy during or after Yoga practice, sit or lie quietly until the dizziness passes.
What should I remember?
It’s all about you! Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Observation is a useful tool in learning, however, do not force yourself into positions to look the same as the teacher or another student in the class - this may lead to injury. Yoga is non-competitive and your focus is best maintained on yourself. No pushing or forcing into stretches – don’t work beyond the limitations of your own body. Yoga is different from Gymnastics. The emphasis is on ‘letting go’ in a stretch, not pushing the body through points of pain.
Be aware of your abilities and limitations. Rest when you need to! Use resting time to reflect and absorb your experiences of the Yoga stretches.
Concentrate on your breathing – in each of the yoga stretches. Your breath will enable the muscles to relax and will keep the mind focused. Nothing will inhibit steady progress if you maintain breath awareness.
Let it go! Yoga is a form of meditation. The use of focus and deep breathing allow you to relax. Stress is one of the leading causes of illness and pain in the body. Consciously allow yourself to relax - relaxation is not a luxury, it is a necessity for every human, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
Be willing to achieve: Do your best - Yoga is a discipline that requires self-effort. Give 100% focus to your body and the posture no matter how many times you have done a pose or your experience level. Experiment with the stretch, find how it best suits you. Experience and deepen the stretch as time goes by and you may be surprised. Self-effort also means to consciously relax.
Everybody is welcome and encouraged to practice Yoga regardless of age, level of fitness or health.
A note for Women!
Ladies – during menstruation it is recommended to avoid inverted postures (the upside down asanas). At this time of the month, always work gently and reduce the stronger, challenging stretches. Adjust your approach and use this time to increase your awareness.
Pregnant Women – can practice Yoga throughout all stages of pregnancy. Inform the instructor of how many weeks along you are, so that the appropriate variations and recommendations can be made. Meditation and relaxation are extremely beneficial for both mother and child.
