Tips for the Novice-

A few good reasons for getting into Yoga: It is good for stress management, flexibility, circulation, balance, posture, toning, toxin removal, joint lubrication, energy, and a general sense of well-being. If it is done properly and regularly, the benefits are boundless!

What is properly? If you have special considerations (neck or back problems, etc., if you are over 50, and have high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant, for example--you should also check with your M.D. to get his/her advice on undertaking a Yoga program.. You need to be sure that you are properly aligned for the posture, and that you are aware of the position and movement of the body parts involved...don’t just do it half way. If you are stretching toward the ceiling--stretch the shoulder, upper arm, elbor, lower arm, wrist, hand, and fingers! Do the same with your legs and torso....break down the parts and feel them move.

Find a good teacher; a person is better than a video...the interaction is important. And...”no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here! If it hurts, request a modification, or simply come out of the position and relax!

Practice in a “warm area” to avoid pulling muscles and causing other stresses. Wear appropriate clothing--something loose-fitting or stretchy that you can move comfortably in. You don’t want to restrict your movement,

 or you will be unable to achieve proper results, AND it won’t be as much fun! (One benefit of close-fitting, stretch clothing, is that it is easier to see your alignment in the asana (posture) that you are practicing.)

You don’t have to be a pretzel! And, Yoga is NOT a competitive sport! Yoga is about increasing movement, not twisting up into impossible configurations! Be content with slow, gentle progress!

Practice regularly...and what is regularly! A great plan would be 15 minutes every day for several months, then, graduating to 4-6 times a week, then, if you can, increase your session to 30 minutes, 4-6 times a week.. If you stayed right there...you would have a great program going for your health! The main thing is to stay committed...even if you continue forever with those 15 minute sessions!

There is one combination that you can do each day that will provide strength, increase flexibility, lubricate joints, enhance circulation and digestion, stimulate the thyroid...etc. This combination is the Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskaram. It is a series of 12 postures (seen below). If you did 15 minutes of just this combination each day...it would do wonders!