The Yoga Studio When attending a Yoga class it is important to note the following points. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication it is essential to let your yoga teacher know.If you are pregnant also tell your yoga teacher.If you feel uncomfortable please either ring the yoga teacher concerned or ask to speak privately.If you have an old injury that was major ,please inform your Yoga teacher ,this is important. The Yoga practice is done in bare feet and it is part of the practice to maintain cleanliness. T shirts and shorts or leggings are the norm ,clothes that allow for free movement are to be worn.You will warm up in the practice so layers of clothing are ideal,although the yoga studio is warm, having excellent heating.Dont worry about fashion etc, it wont help. If you have eaten a main meal ,one must wait 4 hours before yoga class or two hours after a light meal.Water is not taken in class .So arrive hydrated,If you get thirsty in class youre probably not working correctly. It is important to develop responsibility towards ourselves,so if you feel that a yoga posture is causing you harm ,for example to the knees,back,neck,please do inform the teacher.The asanas can put us in challenging places which stretch our mind and body,but if done with awareness are completely safe.Remember we are all at different places,yoga is non competitive,and comes from within. Please feel free to ask the yoga teacher questions ,it may be a question that somebody else wants to ask.Although yoga is done by doing it ,not talking about it 1% theory 99% practice. Finally yoga should be a positive experience and lead to health in body and mind so it is a good idea to look for this in our experience of yoga.So we may learn to better sit at ease with ourselves. If you have questions or observations please contact Charlie via phone or e-mail. Some notes on yoga. There are eight limbs to yoga as follows. Yamas- The ethical standards and codes of conduct. Niyamas- Personal disciplines and spiritual observances. Asanas- Physical postures for health and mind body intergration. Pranayama- directing of breath to connect mind,body,and emotions. Pratyahara- The turning in of consciousness to transcend the sensory world. Dharana- One pointed concentration Dhyana- Deepening contemplation,meditation Samahdi- state of ecstacy,bliss and connection to the divine. In most of the yoga classes we will be using asana to practice ,there are basically seven types of asana or posture as follows. ψ Standing postures- Help develop strength and power,grounding.The leg muscles and joints become strong and stability is promoted.The spine is strengthened,hips aligned and the cardiovascular system is toned. ψSitting poses-cultivate stillness,balance,and patience.They bring elasticity to hips,knees,ankles,and muscles. ψForward bends-Surrender the head to the heart,soothe the nervous system,stimulate the entire back of the body,lower blood pressure,and relax the organs and senses. ψ Backbends- Open the heart and stimulate the central nervous system.A good antidote to depression.Energising and empowering . ψTwists- Invigorate the spine,oxygenate the blood and distribute prana over the whole body.The inner body and organs experience a sense of well being. ψ Inversions- Flush the brain ,heart,lungs and other organs with vital oxygenated blood.Promote energy and fearlessness with Headstand,calm the mind and body with shoulderstand. ψ Reclining poses-savasana brings surrender,relaxation,watch the practice through the senses, echo through your being.The body and mind become stilled.