For performing yoga poses, shauch (cleanliness) must be maintained. It means that the body and mind should be clean. This also includes the cleanliness of surroundings. Yogic practices should be performed in a clean and airy place with a clean body and mind.
Yoga should be practiced preferably in the early morning before sunrise or within two hours after sunrise. It could also be practiced in the evening but with less benefit.
Yogasana should be practiced on an empty stomach. At least a gap of three to four hours after a full meal and two hours after light refreshment should be maintained.
The bowel and bladder should be empty before performing yoga practices.
Yoga should be practiced at a well-ventilated place that is free from dust, smoke, bad odor, or too much wind.
Asanas should be practiced on an even ground. A carpet, folded blanket, or a mattress also should be spread on the ground to practice these comfortably.
Yoga, if practiced after taking bath, becomes easier because the bath promotes a uniform blood circulation throughout the body and facilitates the practice of yogasanas.
Loose, light, and comfortable clothes should be worn while practicing yoga. Cotton clothes are preferable. Spectacles and wristwatch should be removed before the practice.
Moderate food (Mitahara) is advised for better results. Oily and spicy food, smoking, drinking liquor should be avoided.
Yoga Session
What should one do during yoga class?
While doing yoga, always breathe through the nose unless specifically told to do otherwise. Try to coordinate the breath with body movements.
Yoga should be performed slowly and gradually, step by step moving into the final pose.
Body movements during yoga should be smooth. Jerks, force, and/or pressure should be avoided.
Yoga poses should be practiced with utmost awareness to bring harmony among the physical, pranic, mental, and spiritual levels.
Shavasana should be performed after the practice session. It will remove fatigue and relax the mind and body. Shavasana can be done also in the middle of the practice session if the individual gets tired.
Yogasanas may be practiced by people of all age groups as per their capacity or as advised by the Yoga experts. Asanas should not be practiced beyond one’s capacity.
People with fractured bones or who are suffering from chronic ailments/ diseases such as stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, hernia, high blood pressure, etc., and those recuperating from operations must avoid strenuous asanas. Before commencing asanas, they should consult a Yoga therapist or a doctor and should follow his or her instructions. Please read: Yoga for hernia
The practice of asanas should be discontinued immediately if there is severe pain in any part of the body.
3 things you should do after yoga class?
Bath may be taken only after fifteen to thirty minutes have elapsed from the end of the yoga session.
Food should not be taken immediately after performing yoga. Light food may be taken only after fifteen to thirty minutes of the yoga session.
Yoga session should end with the prayer and shanti path.
