| Congratulations!!! You have rang your local Yoga | | | | perfect preparation and exercise for pregnant women. |
| Studio and signed up for your first ever Yoga lesson. | | | | Breathing practices and relaxation techniques help your |
| After the initial "yeah, feel-good-vibes", you sit down | | | | body adapt to the physical and emotional changes |
| and wonder what to expect. | | | | your body undergoes. Whilst meditation exercises |
| As a Yoga Teacher, I receive many enquiries from | | | | encourage you to turn your mind inwards and connect |
| potential students, anxious about what to expect when | | | | with your inner strength - all necessary preparation for |
| they join a class. | | | | labour. |
| Here, in no particular order are the seven most popular | | | | If you are pregnant and this is your first experience of |
| questions I am asked by new yogis prior to starting | | | | yoga, it is advisable to attend a Pre-Natal/Yoga For |
| their first yoga lesson. | | | | Pregnancy Class where the teacher will be able to |
| Seven Most Popular Questions Asked By New Yogis | | | | adapt yoga poses to your particular stage of |
| 1. What Do I Wear | | | | pregnancy. |
| When you practice yoga it is essential you wear loose | | | | 5. I Am Really Stiff And Suffer From Back Pain - Can |
| comfortable clothing. Clothes that enable you to move | | | | Yoga Help Me Relieve My Back Pain? |
| your body freely without restrictions and in which you | | | | If you suffer from back pain, it is essential that you |
| feel at ease in, for example, yoga pants and a cotton | | | | seek advise from your Doctor before starting any |
| tee-shirt. Some schools of yoga prefer students to | | | | form of exercise. Yoga postures, such as the cobra, |
| wear tee-shirts which cover your shoulders and | | | | half spinal twist can help to strengthen weak back |
| preserve your modesty. | | | | muscles and improve the flexibility of your spine. With |
| Other schools, for example Iygenar prefer students to | | | | regular practice, yoga will help to ease back pain. |
| wear shorts, so that the teacher can accurately see | | | | 6. How Long Does A Yoga Session Last? |
| your body and make appropriate adjustments. | | | | Classes usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Generally, your |
| Some ladies prefer to wear leotards and leggings | | | | yoga class will consist of an initial relaxation, a few |
| when they practice yoga. Again, it is a personal choice. | | | | rounds of the Sun Salutation, breathing exercises, yoga |
| 2. Can I Eat Before My Class? | | | | postures and a final relaxation. Some classes include a |
| Generally speaking, it is best to practice yoga on an | | | | period of guided meditation as part of the lesson. |
| empty stomach. If it is a heavy meal, try to eat at least | | | | 7. I Am Stiff And Not Used To Sitting Cross- Legged |
| 60 - 90 minutes before your class. | | | | On the Floor - How Will I Cope? |
| 3. I Am Over 40 Years Old, Am I Too Old To Start | | | | Generally speaking, most people are not used to sitting |
| Yoga? | | | | cross-legged. If you have problems with your knees, |
| Absolutely not! Regardless of age yoga can be | | | | stiff hips, lower back pain you will find it easier to sit on |
| started at any age. In fact, in my experience, mature | | | | a cushion with your legs stretched out in front of you. |
| students approach yoga with a quiet determination to | | | | Alternatively, you can always practice yoga seated on |
| use their practice to let go of past hurts and regain | | | | a chair. If you are nervous about sitting on the floor, |
| their flexibility and strength. If you have not practiced | | | | have a quiet word with your Yoga teacher before the |
| any form of exercise for a while, then yoga, with its | | | | class and she can advise you on different easy |
| emphasis on gentle stretching and relaxation | | | | seated postures. |
| techniques, offers you a gentle introduction into living a | | | | There you have it. Seven popular concerns new yogis |
| more active lifestyle. | | | | have when they start yoga. Let me know if your |
| 4. I Am Pregnant And Have Heard That Yoga Is Good | | | | concern isn't covered and I will be happy to offer you |
| Preparation For Childbirth. Is This True? | | | | support to ensure you enjoy your first yoga class. |
| Yes, yoga exercises and relaxation techniques are | | | | |