Yoga

First time to yoga?  Awesome!  Welcome! 

Arrive early: Check our schedule.  Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled class to register and if you want to ask about any introductory discounts for new students. Be sure to say it's your first time and let the teacher know if you have any injuries he/she should know about!

What to wear: Best to wear comfortable clothes that stretch as you stretch.  Baggy T-shirts are fine for guys, but women should wear tops that doesn’t go over their heads so in certain poses (ex: down dog).  You can always tuck in the shirt to your pants if that’s all you have.

Don't take class on a full stomach: Trying to do yoga right after mealtime will hinder your practice. In order for your body to twist and hop into poses, the stomach can't be digesting something heavy. Best to eat at least hour and a half before the class, but if you aren't able to and are starving, having a banana no less than 20 minutes before class should be okay.

What to bring : A water bottle, a towel for sweat, a yoga mat - if you forget or don't have one (first time it's free with the class). If you are bringing your cell phone, please put it on silent before the class. Most of all, bring a smile to share - you are going to feel amazing!

During class : Flexibility isn't required to practice yoga.  Resist the temptation to judge your body based on what someone else is doing.  Yoga is a new way of moving your body and training your mind, so take it slowly and go easy on yourself.  Resist the urge to rush into a pose or to push too hard. Instead allow your breath to be your guide and to help you progress at your own pace.  Instead of trying to forcibly push your body beyond its current abilities, focus your energy on seeking postures that make you feel great. If you feel any discomfort, that's your cue to back out of the pose and to try a modification or alternate posture that best serves your body.  Just remember during your fist class, it's okay to feel incredibly awkward moving your body in ways you are not use to.  Your mind might jump around and you may judge yourself or feel as though you are doing it wrong, but it’s all a process. Come back to your mat, smile, have fun, let go, laugh at yourself, and above all, smile!

Benefits of Yoga:

The benefits of yoga provide both instant gratification and lasting transformation. Too much time with too few results can be incredibly discouraging, and monotonous routines week after week can lead to stagnation. Yoga can change your physical and mental capacity quickly, while preparing the mind and body for long-term health.   Whether your aim is to reduce stress, loose weight, tone up, build muscle, or gain weight  we can put together a program that fit your needs.

Yoga-Benefits_SoulfitnessLA Yoga and the Body:

  • Increases flexibility
  • Strengthens the muscles and tendons, especially stabilizer muscles
  • Increases bone density of the entire skeletal system
  • Develops balance and coordination
  • Straightens posture and body alignment
  • Improves function of internal organs via (a) proper posture so they’re held correctly and (b) internal compression, wringing them out so they work better
  • Enhances cardiovascular ability, both lowering resting heart rate and making oxygen use more Efficient
  • Burns energy (approx. 400 calories per hour),
  • Weight reduction
  • Decreases chance of injury
  • Fixes muscular imbalances
  • Stimulates the immune system
  • Decreases cortisol levels, resulting in lower blood sugar levels and heightened insulin response, resulting in less inflammation and less chance of diabetes and heart disease
  • Decreases the chance of arthritis and joint issues by moving full motion and “squeezing and soaking” the cartilage, giving it a flush and extra nutrients
  • Decreases pain and fatigue

 

Yoga and the Mind:

  • Increases happiness, improves discipline & enhances focusphotodune-856317-yoga-s
  • Increases your energy
  • Increases Proprioception (the ability for the mind to direct where and how the body moves. Touching your
    fingers to your nose with your eyes closed, or stepping back and having your foot land perfectly parallel to your other foot without looking takes proprioception)
  • Decreases stress, tension & inspires a better sleep
  • Improves reaction time
  • Improves performance on mental tests (studies have shown!)
  • Provides time for moving meditation, if you’re into that sort of thing
  • Enhances self-worth & gives a sense of accomplishment and pride
  • Increases the chance of flow states