1. Come in Time
Organize your time in such a way that you arrive at the class ideally a little early. You will relax much better and tune in to practice, and in addition, you will respect other students, the lecturer and yourself. If you know that you will exceptionally arrive a minute later, try to write a text message to the lecturer first and, upon your eventual arrival, wait quietly to prepare the mat and tools until the introductory meditation or chanting of mantras is over.
2. Do not eat or drink before class
It is not good to practice yoga on a full stomach. Everyone has a different metabolism and digestive system, but we probably all know how we usually feel when we have to do some activity after a hearty lunch. If you get hungry quickly, eat something light at least an hour before exercise. For proper digestion, our body needs enough energy, which it also needs for exercise. Digestion during the practice of yoga undesirably burdens not only the body, but also the mind, thereby reducing the effects that yoga brings. If you think about why you feel sick and listen to the sounds of your stomach wafting through the hall, you will definitely not get a better workout.
We also recommend not drinking for some time before and after the lesson. When practicing yoga, we try to ignite the so-called internal digestive fire (agni), which supports metabolism and the immune system and accelerates the burning of toxins. By drinking during practice, we extinguish this fire again. Drink during the lesson only in extreme cases, if you feel that you cannot stand it or if you feel sick.
3. Avoid unwanted topics
All of us strive to create a positive and soothing atmosphere in Santosh, where people will not only like to go to exercise, but also to relax, unwind and turn off their minds from everyday matters. Please help us co-create and maintain this atmosphere, and during your visit to the studio, avoid topics such as work, politics, illnesses, negative current events, etc., which could spoil the positive atmosphere.
4. Leave Your Phone in the Changing Room
Please do not use mobile phones (or other electronics) in the hall, even in airplane mode. You won't need your cell phone for anything during the exercise, it can distract you unnecessarily, and the electromagnetic radiation of positive energy in the gym itself won't exactly help. Lock him in the locker and take the key with you to the hall, nothing will happen to him in our little studio. The only exception applies to lecturers who use their mobile phones to play music during lessons.
5. Be Considerate of Others
Please be considerate of other trainees and the lecturer, focus on yourself and do not disturb others with loud comments, sighs or discussions with other students. If possible, save your notes, impressions, and questions for after the class. All lecturers are always happy to help you.
6. Focus on yourself and your progress
Yoga is not a sport that has winners and losers. Yoga is a lifelong journey and we all are and want to be somewhere else on that journey. It doesn't matter who puts their foot up or how far they reach. We all have different body structures, limits or health restrictions. We are all flexible differently. It is completely unimportant how you stand in relation to others, which positions and how you handle them. What matters is the shift in yourself. The beginnings may seem difficult, but you only need to hold on for a while and you will quickly see the first results. Remember your beginnings in other areas of life and don't be discouraged! You'll thank yourself soon 🙂
7. Listen to your body
We all have different bodies, different conditions and different experiences. And we also feel different every day – sometimes we are tired, sometimes we are full of energy. Even yogis who have been practicing yoga for years have days when they don't like a certain position, don't feel like it, can't maintain focus or balance. If your body doesn't feel like doing an asana, don't force it. If an asana seems too demanding at that moment, use an aid, perform only a lighter version, or skip the position altogether. Yoga is not a race or competition, always respect your body. Never do anything by force, always do only what your body allows! If you have any health restrictions, tell your lecturer before class.
8. Exercise consciously
Much more important than being able to practice a set perfectly like an experienced yogi is to perform all poses consciously. Notice how you feel in each position, what is happening with your body and mind and concentrate on your breath. Every yoga pose (really every!) has a purpose. You may initially perceive the practice of yoga only from a physical point of view, however, you will reap all the fruits that yoga brings on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level only if you practice consciously and with concentration.
9. Neflákej shavasana
Some people have a tendency to run immediately after practicing the set, however, thanks to the final relaxation (savasana), the body can sufficiently regenerate after the exercise. It is perhaps the most important (and most pleasant) position (yes, this is also a position) of all. Endure until the end of the hour and treat yourself and your body to a well-deserved reward.
10. Yoga should not be only a physical exercise, but also a spiritual practice
(Unfortunately), in recent years, yoga has stopped being perceived as it should be in Western countries. For most people today, yoga is a physical exercise, many people do not know the real meaning of yoga anymore. Although yoga is undoubtedly an exercise that has a very beneficial effect on the physical body, it is good to remember that there is much more to yoga. Yoga is a complex science including methods and practices such as asanas, meditation, pranayama (breath control), mantras, rituals and others to help create a harmonious unity between the physical body, mind and spirit. The ultimate goal of yoga in its original meaning is not to learn a certain set of asanas, to move regularly or to release endorphins after sitting in the office all day, but to lead us to true happiness and eternal bliss.
Even if yoga practice is only a form of exercise for you, it will still have a positive effect on your body, health and fitness. But it is important to know that traditional yoga has a much deeper meaning and that a person can get much more out of the exercise itself.
