How to Maximize the Yoga Benefits by Learning Basic Yoga Tips?

If you have been learning yoga at home or have just started, have you wondered if you are getting it right or not?

It is possible that you have finished the beginner yoga classes at home from DVD, TV show, yoga instructor or with the help of a friend. Knowing the fundamental theory and basics of yoga is of utmost importance, before you start experimenting with yourself. Many important things are never discussed in the TV or DVD sessions. Unless you meet a well-informed yoga teacher who can guide you, you may not realize what you have missed out on.

Authentic and deeper yoga can help you reap the best benefits of yoga. There are some principles that you need to follow:

• Do yoga empty stomach only: Yoga cannot be practiced on a full stomach or its health benefits will be negated. Best time to do yoga is early in the morning followed by routine daily chores. Otherwise, one should wait for four hours after a heavy meal and one hour after a light meal to do yoga. Also, one should avoid drinking anything before and after yoga.

• Do yoga before taking breakfast: Yoga is recommended in brahmamuhurata, the time after sunrise. This time is considered best for doing yoga when the atmosphere is also quite and pure. The mind is fresh early in the morning but body is stiff. This stiffness will go away by practicing yoga early morning. Second best time to do yoga is around sunset.

• Perfect postures in yoga are important: Every yoga posture or asana has a purpose in yoga. Asana is done to stimulate a particular organ so that it starts gaining strength and functions properly. This effect is carried to all the body parts as all the systems are interconnected. This improves the health of complete body. Most of the asanas are related to the spine and they eventually make the backbone of the body strong and flexible. This is turn improves blood circulation and nervous system.

• Yoga is spiritual: This phenomenal exercise form improves the body systems without putting stress on the body. After doing yoga in a correct manner, people realize that its effects are not restricted to physical being but increase the state of awareness. Yoga is not simply exercise, but it is a spiritual practice. It helps to regain harmony between mind and soul. When practiced for long, it leads to enlightenment and self-realization.

• Practice yoga with full awareness: Yoga being done with awareness or in full consciousness not only affects the body but harmonizes the mental, pranic (life force) physical, spiritual and emotional being. To receive maximum benefits, you have to be observant and mindful.