When you take a vinyasa-style yoga class, you place yourself fully into the hands of the teacher. He or she decides what postures you will do and in what order. Most of the time, I enjoy this surrender of control, but I do have one pet peeve (try as I might to rise above pet peeves) and it’s this: I think I see the sequence building to a certain logical conclusion, an attempt at a climatic pose, and I turn out to be wrong. The moment passes, the pose is not taught, the class continues. Mr. Yoga Teacher, you owe me a flying crow.

Flying Crow – Eka Pada Galavasana Is the Yoga Pose of the Week originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at 21:57:31.

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Every Day Is New originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 11:48:48.

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Yogi, Not Foodie originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 23:01:07.

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1. Speak to your physician and talk about the types of yoga poses that you are planning to do. Show your doctor photos or drawings of the poses. Your physician may reject particular poses if you suffer from hypertension, glaucoma, a history of detachment of the retina, or heart conditions. Make certain to follow your physician’s recommendations.

2. Find the yoga type and class that best agrees with your abilities. Speak to potential instructors, and decide whether or not you can manage a particular program before you join a class. It’s crucial to take things one step at a time. Try some beginner classes before trying more advanced classes. Don’t move forward too quickly. Let your body slowly adjust to the workouts.

3. Mind your body and be mindful of your physical abilities. You do not want to injure yourself. Make certain that the teacher understands your degree of experience and any restrictions you may have. Don’t let anyone push you ahead too quickly. Remember: yoga should be fun and relaxing!

4. If you can’t get a class that fulfills your needs, you could always practice yoga at your home. There are a lot of books, programs, and videos for sale to help you get started. Some of them are even free! Hunt for the best products on the Internet and read lots of reviews. Speak to other people who practice yoga at home, and ask for recommendations.

5. Why not try out private lessons? You can book some individual sessions with a instructor in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can aid you in planning your personal program. This is a good way to get moving. You can always attend group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the fundamentals of proper yoga practice.

6. Get a yoga buddy. It is pleasant to practice with someone else and it will help to cut back on accidental injuries. It’s also a nifty method to maintain your enthusiasm and involvement.

7. Eat lightly prior to exercising. Hold off at least two hours after meals prior to yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is advisable, but don’t allow yourself to become too starved to think. You won’t be capable of focusing on the postures or of enjoying yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it’s time to seize your mat and your towel. Go and get the most out of your yoga practices!

I go to my yoga class at least three times a week. Unfortunately, I’ve caught a cold with a cough that’s lasted about a week. To be on the safe side, I haven’t gone to any yoga. Do I have to wait until my cough is completely gone or can I continue to go to my classes?

Aunt Yoga’s Reply

Aunt Yoga Says: Sick? Stay Home! originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 21:48:32.

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