Developing a regular practice
After your first week at Breathe, you may find yourself developing a rhythm for your practice. As a guideline, practicing 2-3 times each week is a good start; a daily practice is the ideal. If attending classes a half-hour home practice is a great way to maintain your practice. It's different for each individual, and you'll need to experiment to find what works best for you.
Diarise your practice time in advance each week, and be strong with yourself to take the time out from all those "essential" work tasks. Although you may at times feel unmotivated deciding to practice will leave you energised and uplifted after every class.
Keeping safe in class
Come to class on an empty stomach. Most people find that they need to leave 1-2 hours between their meal and class. However, if you find you need a snack try a piece of fruit or something light about an hour before class. With time you will discover for yourself what is best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different routines.
Always let your instructor know if you're injured or pregnant. Even if you've mentioned it before, take responsibility for making sure your instructor is aware of any physical limitations you may have in class, so they can give you the safest and most beneficial practice possible.
If you have been sick, take it easy your first couple of classes back. It is very normal to feel nauseous and dizzy when you are recovering from being sick. This is especially true if you took medication. Your first class back should be approached slowly; don’t rush or push. Lie down if you feel dizzy. Although your first class back will likely be uncomfortable it will often speed up your recovery.
Getting the most out of your practice
Focus on yourself and be as still as possible between postures. With practice, your ability to focus and to be still will improve. This will advance your Yoga practice tremendously and reduce your struggle physically and mentally.
Developing a Yoga practice is a continuous journey; it is not an overnight process. No one is going to judge you: Other students are much too focused on their own practice to notice your wobbly bits!
As long as you give your best effort, and try all the poses as instructed, you will get as much benefit out of your practice as a student doing the same posture with a greater degree of flexibility, strength and balance. Your instructor may, from time to time, and always in a respectful and supportive manner, offer a suggestion or an adjustment that will carry you deeper into a posture. As you continue your practice you will become more comfortable with yourself and your personal yoga journey.
Every class is different. Let go of any preconceived notions and enter each class like it is your first class. Your body is different every day, and it is normal for the class or certain postures to be easy one day and difficult the next. Please do not be discouraged and think that something is wrong if you have a difficult class. Often your best class will be followed by your worst and vise-versa.
Emotions during your practice are normal. You may feel angry, sad or happy and even laugh or cry in class sometimes. Through Yoga you will experience a sense of connection between your body, mind and emotions; by entering the body through Yoga you may find that you stir up strong emotions. Tears may flow, laughter may come, anger or frustration may swell. If you experience strong emotion in class, it's ok, nothing is wrong and the emotions will soon release from the body, leaving you feeling cleaner and lighter on many levels.
Unusual experiences and sensations are normal during your practice. Many people experience flashes of light, electrical impulses, or unusual body sensation in certain postures. These are all normal, as are feelings of discomfort or vulnerability and fear. Letting go of fear is a challenge that everyone must face as they develop their Yoga practice to a deep level (Of course you should always check with your doctor if you have medical concerns).
Class etiquette
Arrive a few minutes early and stay for the entire class. Out of respect for others, and to get the full benefit of the practice, make sure you're on time for class. If you do arrive a few minutes late, take a deep, slow breath and enter the room slowly and quietly. Take your mat off the pile with both hands and find a spot in the room that is respectful to others. Consider being prompt as a part of your practice.
No shoes in the Yoga studio. Please don’t wear your shoes into the Yoga studio. Take them off before entering and leave them either in the change room or outside the door.
Turn mobile phones off during class. Simply placing your phone on silent is unfortunately inadequate and the buzzing and flashing will disturb you and other in class. Believe it or not the world will get along fine without you for a few minutes. Learning to let go for the duration of your class will greatly improve your practice (and possibly your life!)
Hang your clothes in the change room. Leave non-valuables in the change room and bring your precious things into class with you (phone off of course). Anything precious that you don't want to bring into class you can leave with the reception folk.
Please place your empty teacups and water glasses in the dishwasher in the kitchen, when you're finished.
What to bring
Clothing. Wear comfortable, light breathable clothes that allow you to move freely. Generally people find that more fitted clothes (including a sports bra) feel best when practicing (as you tend to spend time upside down), but it's up to you.
Yoga mats and all equipment are provided. No need to bring a Yoga mat, as we provide mats and all props. However many people like to bring their own mat and leave it at Breathe between classes, so there's no need to lug it around. Either way it's up to you.
Showering after class. There's a shower, soap and hairdryer for you if you need to scrub up after class (in case you have a hot date). If you intend to shower you'll need to bring your own towel.
