How To Perform Yogic Exercises
When you have decided to start with your yoga practice, it is
imperative for you to learn how to perform a pose properly. Thus
it is advisable for you to find a right teacher who will guide
you in the correct manner of performing these poses. Since yogic
exercises involve the static and isometric contraction of the
muscles, where the muscles are held in a state of tension
without causing the corresponding body part to move; it is
important to note that the stretching or contraction of the
muscles should not be done abruptly or suddenly. You should
endeavour to reach the final pose as slowly as you can, so that
there is a steady rise in the tension of the muscles. Always
reach the final posture slowly through the intermediate
postures. Master all these postures slowly one by one.
The movement of each body part should be done under complete
control of the muscles exercised. This is achieved only after
practicing for a certain period of time. There should be no
jerks or violent movements. Each step should be executed easily,
smoothly and gracefully. Initially, when you start learning the
yoga, there is a tendency to use muscles not concerned with the
specified movement. But over a period of time with due practice,
you can eliminate the unproductive muscular activity. As you
progress, you'll learn to use only the specified muscles for
contraction or stretching while the other muscles are kept
relaxed.
Avoid rushing into the final position of any posture, unless you
have thoroughly mastered the intermediate stages. Always proceed
as far as you comfortably can and hold this pose for some time.
This will train the required muscles in a few days and thus you
can get smoothness and grace. Take caution not to overwork any
muscles. Do not control or restrict your breathing. If you are
sick or absent from your practice for a long time, start slowly
and reach the previous level only after some time. At the end of
the session, you should feel fresh and relaxed. You must
experience the lightness and exhilaration at the end of every
session.
You can adjust the duration of various techniques according to
your capacity and there should be no exhaustion or tension.
Following all these practices will ensure you get a correct yoga
session.