by: Howie Holben
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For many people both in India and the West yoga is more than a way to stay in shape, it is a way of life. Of course, this is the traditional purpose of yoga which actually encompasses much more than just the physical poses that are so common in the West. However, even if you are only doing Western fitness-based yoga, will you find that after some time yoga begins to define a part of who you are. There are many different variations of yoga available in the West including "flowing" yoga, a yoga and Pilates mix, and even "hot" yoga, yoga done in a hot room so that you sweat out toxins while you exercise. Yoga is a very individualized way to exercise; you only do the poses to the level at which you are comfortable. That also means that classes should be a very comfortable place where you feel safe enough push yourself to your limits, but not beyond. Because of this, many yoga classes have been created to put people together from the same community such as prenatal yoga, yoga for women, or gay yoga.

Yoga is all about focusing your mind and body toward the task at hand. It is much easier to do so if you are in a situation in which you feel comfortable. From the moment you walk into the yoga studio the entire atmosphere should be designed to put you at ease. The lighting is generally soft and the floor supportive. Even though you are using the additional support of a yoga mat, most studios designed specifically for yoga will also have a sprung wood base so there is a minimum of wear and tear on your joints. Some studios will also play relaxing music at the beginning and end of each session.

A good instructor will have a tone that is both encouraging and soothing. This means that you should push yourself has hard as your body lets you, but not feel tension if you can't immediately accomplish full-blown poses. Being surrounded by people who are at your same physical level also helps to make you feel comfortable.

They should have both a firm but comforting tone that challenges you to work your hardest but doesn't make you feel bad if you aren't as advanced as the other students. Of course, being with students who share your physical level or interests is also important.

You might even do some refreshing breathing exercises to cleanse your system before you start moving. Then, once you have eased into the class, you will start to do more and more difficult poses. Y

Once you are warmed up and ready to go you will start to do poses that gradually get more challenging as the class goes on. It would be toward the middle or end of class that strength training and Pilates exercises would be held.

Just when you think you can't work anymore, you will be given a chance to some simple cool down moves and mediation exercises before leaving the class.

All yoga is designed to energize your body and relax your mind. No matter where you do it or who you do it with, if you come in with the right mindset you should get the most from your class that you can. Of course, specialized yoga classes, such as gay yoga, can also help.

About the Author

General information about gay yoga by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys also offers gay naked yoga.

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