Tips for a great yoga practice
Register for class using the Prana app or our website.
Bring your own yoga mat and arrive early
Set up your space and props and center yourself before class begins. The center opens 15 minutes before class.
For safety, our front door is locked during class. The back entrance is open.
Keep your bag, keys, and phone in the lobby or hall.
Be considerate when fellow students are looking for space to place their mat.
Inform your instructor if you have an injury, health issues, or other concerns before class.
Keep the studio peaceful and talk only in the lobby.
Get to know your yoga teacher
Our dedicated, experienced yoga instructors can provide a great deal of insight and guidance as you progress in your practice. They can answer your questions after class regarding proper alignment, breath and more.
Wear comfortable clothing
The right clothes can make a world of difference in class. Select a supportive top and yoga pants made from breathable materials with moisture-wicking features. For cooler weather, you may want to invest in thermal athletic gear you can easily layer to stay warm.
Modify the practice for your body & needs
As a beginner, it may be difficult to practice every pose in your class. Your instructor can help provide modifications and adaptations as well as the use blocks, straps, or blankets.
Begin where you are
Yoga is a transformative journey meant to lead you forward, whether your goal is less stress, better health, or inner peace. Knowing where you are can show you where to begin. We offer a variety of classes, choose ones to suit your level of experience and fitness.
Avoid making comparisons
Yoga is an individual journey, there is no reason to judge yourself compared to others. You can draw motivation, appreciation, and inspiration from their abilities, but don’t beat yourself up if you’re at a different point in your practice.
Go slow
Don’t rush yourself. Take time to fully experience each pose. Yoga is purposeful, mindful, and fluid. By moving slowly, you can continue to make sustainable progress as you practice. Slow, purposeful movement also helps prevent injury, boosts your mindfulness, and improves your overall concentration.
Focus on your foundation
Much like the foundation of a building, your hands and feet form the foundation of your body. Your body depends on a strong and steady foundation to properly hold each pose. Pay attention to the way your hands and feet are positioned and spread your fingertips and toes to build a firm base of support.
Maintain a regular yoga practice
Frequent short practices will be more effective than fewer longer ones. A few poses for 15-30 minutes a day can have a huge impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Stay hydrated
While it isn’t recommended to drink during yoga, there are some ways that you can stay hydrated throughout your practice. About an hour before class, start sipping a 16-ounce bottle of water. Drink another 20 ounces after you’ve finished your yoga class to replace fluids.
Remove distractions
Worries, to-do lists, and smartphone notifications all need to be set aside for a successful class. Write down your to-do list before your practice and turn your phone off. Shift your focus away from worries and instead focus on your breath, body, and intentions while practicing.
Set an intention
Setting intentions for your yoga classes can help you feel motivated to work towards your goals. An intention is a purpose for your practice, which can change for each session if you prefer. Your intention is a tool to focus your mind away from thoughts and distractions, towards feelings of peace, kindness, acceptance, or whatever else is needed in your life.
Breathe
The flow of your breath is essential in yoga classes. By breathing slowly and deeply throughout your regular routine, you increase circulation and reduce stress while stimulating your mind and body. Yogic breathing helps reduce the risk of injury, allowing your body to relax as it moves through different poses.
Eat mindfully
Try not to eat anything 2-3 hours before class otherwise you’ll feel some discomfort in poses that put pressure on your belly. If you’re hungry, a light snack can help you fuel up for your class. Many people prefer to snack on small portions of almonds, fiber-packed fruits, or sports bars. Avoid greasy or garlicky foods before your class.
Respect your body’s limits
Knowing your physical and mental limits is vital to succeeding in yoga. Listen to your body as you stretch, move, and breathe. If you have trouble breathing or experience pain, adjust the pose until you can do it without struggling. Keep in mind that some poses aren’t for everyone. Injuries, pregnancy, and chronic illness can make certain poses ill-advised.
Cultivate a sense of humor
Having a healthy sense of humor can help you navigate moments when you feel uncomfortable, awkward, or even embarrassed trying out new yoga poses. You don’t have to be perfect as you move through different postures. In fact, smiling and internally laughing during yoga classes can help you remain relaxed and calm.
Savor Savasana
Savasana, the final relaxation pose, might be the most difficult posture in the class. Many of us are accustomed to being constantly active and busy, and lying still with our thoughts and feelings can be a challenging experience. Practice shifting your attention to the sensations of your body relaxing and consciously work on releasing stress and tension during the pose.
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