Yoga Safety Tips
Yoga can be done by everyone regardless of age, or physical ability. Here are a few tips to ensure that you do not injure yourself:
- Listen to and follow instructions carefully.
- Move within your comfort zone.
- Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and stretch.
- Work gently, respecting your body's abilities and limits.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement but snug enough so that it doesn't get in your way.
- Work with bare feet.
- Invest in a "sticky mat".
- Ask for help if you are unsure how to perform a certain movement.
- Inform your instructor of any injuries, illness, or acute discomfort before class.
- Pregnant women must consult their health care provider before starting yoga.
Mats, Rugs, Blankets
Choosing a yoga mat may sound simple, but with so many different styles of yoga that one can engage in and with some many varieties of yoga mats on the market, yoga students, especially beginners, would benefit from understanding what they need a mat to do for them. Here is some of the first line of questions you might want to ask.
- Do you stay in position on the mat even if your feet and hands become sweaty? (Usually vigorous styles of yoga such as Astanga, Bikram or any of the vinyasa styles of yoga)
- Is the material that the mat is made from safe and durable?
- Does the mat lay flat without bunching,curling or moving around?
- Is the mat easy to clean?
