Tips for beginners

Here are some principles and information to guide you as you practice:
AVOID PAIN
Yoga should feel good. You should not feel pain; if you do it is your nervous system telling you something is wrong.
The posture may not be right for you or you have pushed too hard. The pose can be adapted or dropped altogether.

NON COMPETITIVENESS
We do not compete with anyone else and certainly not with ourselves.

TRY TO REMAIN RELAXED AND ALERT
Keep your attention on your breath and how your body feels. In time you will learn to make subtle adjustments as and when needed.

REGULAR PRACTICE
Try to attend regularly your yoga class and include daily practice in to your life even if this is for just 5-10 minutes, you will find this to be beneficial.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Be aware of your daily changes in ability and adapt your practice to your body.if you have a permanent injury or condition that you think could be worsened by doing yoga, have a chat with your doctor about which poses might be best avoided.Be sure to tell Olga before the class if you are ill or injured and she can tell you how to alter the poses to avoid making things worse.

EATING BEFORE YOGA
Try not to eat a large meal at least 2 hrs before yoga.

WHAT TO WEAR
Comfortable clothing – preferably cotton. Bare feet.

WHAT TO BRING
Warm clothes for relaxation (particularly in the winter!) e.g. socks, sweater, blanket.
A Yoga Mat.
Water.

I have a few mats for loan to start with, but I would recommend you have your own yoga mat.
BREATHE AND ENJOY YOUR PRACTICE