~ Sri K Patthabi Jois

A consistent practice is what creates the lasting effects in yoga. With a dedicated practice (even one class per week), the body becomes attuned to the movements and postures within yoga, and settles into those feelings of health and wellness.  As our practice grows more consistent, the benefits increase and become more apparent.

From our first mountain pose we chart our course with an intention, push onward with our breath, and pull ourselves through to the final savasana. With each practice we gain flexibility, strength, and endurance both in body and in mind. These effects are often experienced after just one class. Imagine them amplified by week after week of consistent practice. As yoga becomes a part of your regular routine, so too will its ongoing benefits.

Make a commitment to your practice and experience the powerful benefits of yoga off the mat and into your life each and every day.

Related Article: How Often Do I Need to Practice to Achieve Results?

The health benefits of yoga are well established yet, as we continue on this path of health and wellness, it is important to maintain a practice of awareness.

Here are some important tips to benefiting your body with thoughtful and safe effort.

1. Learn to listen to your own body. It’s easy to get distracted by the excitement of keeping up with everybody else in class and ignore the signals your body is sending you. The more you can remind yourself that you’re practicing for the long-term health and well being, the more likely you are to listen to the signals that your body is sending you and honoring them by backing off when you need to. Listening and honoring the signals your body sends is fundamental to a safe practice.
2. Focus on your alignment and form in each posture. It is better to practice a partial pose with good alignment and form than a full pose with poor alignment and form. Yoga is not a competition; don’t let yourself feel pressured to do what everyone around you may be doing. Yoga is your own personal practice, each time you step onto the mat.
3. Keep your breath steady and your mind still. Your breath is the key to remaining present. Check in with your breath regularly. Use your breath to deepen your postures. If you find it difficult to breathe in a posture, it’s a signal that you’ve gone too deep. Back off and find a position you can hold and still control your breath. Steadying your breath will help still your mind, allowing you to find calm composure within each pose.
4. Set realistic goals for your practice. Having realistic expectations and not competing with yourself or others leads you through your practice with ease. Setting a goal or an intention as you step onto your mat provides a foundation for concentration that you can return to throughout your practice. If you start to feel distracted or off course, checking in with your intention allows you to re-center your mind, your breath, and your focus.
5. HYA instructors are here for you! At HYA, we pride ourselves in our highly qualified instructors (visit our website for individual bios). We encourage you to approach your instructor before class and discuss any questions or requests you may have. Our instructors are happy to offer assistance with adjustments, breath cues, modifications and alternatives to any pose.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure a safe and gratifying practice. Yoga should be fun and challenging and remembering these tips will launch you off the mat and into your life with strength, flexibility and peace.