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WHAT'S NEW
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Ease into yoga
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A beginner's guide to the popular mind-body discipline.
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By Lin Gibson
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Yoga has entered the North American mainstream of fitness conditioning but, for the uninitiated, the thought of attempting this ancient mind-body discipline can be daunting.
If you're setting out to discover the pleasures and benefits of yoga, the following suggestions will help you on your journey:
• Tell your instructor, beforehand, about any injuries or medical conditions you have. Check with your physician if you have any concerns.
• Wear comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt and leggings or sweat pants. Yoga is practised barefoot so don't worry about footwear.
• Eat lightly -- or not at all -- for two or three hours before class.
• Find a qualified instructor. Videos and books can be useful for practising at home, but you should use them after you're confident you can perform the positions correctly.
Discard your worries
If you're concerned that everyone else will be blissfully experiencing spiritual enlightenment while you struggle to free yourself from a tangle of stubborn, unco-operative limbs, put your mind at rest. Yoga, or "union" is more than a set of physical exercises; it's a journey to bring the mind, body and spirit into alignment.
Expect to excel
Over time, students are led through a series of progressively difficult poses. These asanas are held for longer and longer periods of time and co-ordinated with the breath to increase oxygen flow to the entire the body.
Reap rewards
The physical gains of yoga include: increased strength and flexibility, improved balance and better circulation. But total relaxation of mind and body is the most rewarding benefit, says instructor Kiran Sohal. She studied yoga in India, with her grandfather, and now teaches at Making Waves studio in Toronto, Ont. Sohal offers the following advice to beginners: "Let your breathing be your guide. If your breath becomes laboured or shallow it's an indication you're trying to do too much."
Find out what your yoga style is to discover the perfect workout for you.
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