Hatha yoga comes from the words ha and tha meaning sun and moon and according to Wikipedia it means powerful work must be done. That is my motto. A good teacher will teach the movements so well that you must concentrate completely – no thinking about your day or the kids or dinner- nothing but the movement. When the class is a good fit for you, you will be ever so faithful in going back week after week. The most important thing is if it is challenging for you. Do you feel tired at the end of class but refreshed? Did you spend 15 minutes or more flat on the floor doing a guided imagery exercise? What did you come to class for? I go to yoga because my body is telling me to slow down and stretch but my mind says I must exercise everyday. I plan on doing yoga on those off days when cardio is not going to be an option. The best yoga classes I’ve been to are the hatha yoga classes where the routine is the same every single week.

Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years of taking yoga classes:

1. Always bring your own yoga mat
2. Water bottle is a must
3. Turn your cell phone off
4. Hatha yoga consists of a series of standing stretches, seated stretches, and some meditation
5. Kundalini yoga requires traditional yoga stretches combined with specific breathing techniques
6. When you find the right teacher, STICK WITH IT! It gets easier.
7. Try a few different classes before making a weekly commitment

If you’ve never participated in a yoga class, I highly recommend it. It can be the rest for the mind that you might desperately be needing.

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