How to Begin Yoga Classes
Yoga is a group of disciplines that allow the practitioner to achieve spiritual and physical tranquility. Beginning yoga students typically learn a set of movements before taking a full class. This generally involves learning how to stand on the mat and performing basic relaxation exercises.
- Place your yoga mat on the floor, and roll it out so that it lies flat. Stand on the mat to perform a few standing poses. The mountain pose is one of the most basic standing poses in yoga. This pose consists of standing on the mat with your feet together and your hands at your sides.
- Place a thick blanket or pillow onto the yoga mat and sit on it in a cross-legged position, also known as a half lotus. Sit as tall and straight as you can so that your spine forms a straight line.
- Inhale fully with both nostrils, and then exhale fully with both nostrils. Relax your body as much as possible while maintaining your pose, beginning with your arms.
- Continue breathing through your nostrils, and close your eyes. Concentrate on relaxing any parts of your body that might still have tension while keeping your spine straight. Open your eyes and look straight ahead while holding your arms out to the side so they are parallel with the floor.
- Raise your left arm so that it points straight up, and lean to your right while still sitting on the mat. Support your body with your right hand and stretch your left arm over to the right side of your body. Turn your head toward the floor on your right. Repeat this step for your right arm.