Advice

Recommendations pre- practice

Clothing:

If you do not possess sportswear, wear clothing that is loose and comfortable.

Eating before practice:

It is advised not to eat a meal at least two hours before practicing.  Drink enough water after your practice for your natural rehydration.  Try not to drink during your practice, the less the body must process the deeper your practice will be.

Female menstrual cycles:

Ladies who still wish to practice during their menstrual cycles are advised not to take any inverted asanas (physical postures) like the shoulder stand or head stand. Leaning your legs up against a wall, against a stable chair, sofa or bed is sufficient for the inversion asanas.

Pregnancy:

I will not be teaching for pregnancy but can recommend teachers and yoga spaces that specialise in pregnancy yoga.

Props:

Props are your friends.  If you have props like foam bricks and blocks and fabric bolsters use them.  For bodies past the suppleness of the teenage years, the props assist in the process of relaxing into a deeper stretch and help to release the muscles you are working on.  Sitting on a block will also bring length into the spine creating more space within your body.

Books like a dictionary/encyclopaedia can be substituted for a block, failing that, cushions, or a folded towel rolled-up like a mini bolster can also be used as an appropriate prop.

Injuries and other conditions:

Always take advise from a registered medical or physio practitioner before starting a practice of yoga if you have any concerns regarding injuries, physical conditions, long term/current illnesses, or mental health conditions.