How to Physically Prepare for Yoga

Physical preparation for yoga is as important as mental preparation. Proper physical preparation for yoga will help you decrease the risk of injury, and help you get the most benefits out of yoga practice.

Follow these basic steps to physically prepare yourself for a yoga session.

Check with a Health Professional

As with any physical exercise, some people will want to check with their physician before starting any new exercise programs. This is important for any yoga student with a medical condition, including any circulatory diseases or breathingissues, especially asthma.

Also check with a doctor before starting yoga if you have never exercised before, or have had recent surgery, or even a hip replacement.

For those who are regular exercisers, and have no known medical conditions or previous injuries, it should be fine to start any yoga class. Yoga studios and gyms have to tell you to consult a physician first for liability reasons.

Time Eating Around Yoga

You should not fast or skip meals, even on busy days, and on days when you have yoga. While you do not want to have a full-blown meal right before a yoga class, you do want to finish a small meal or healthy snack at least two hours before yoga class starts.

By eating that far in advance, your body will have energy, and you will not feel to full of food to move. Work with your own body to find the right time to eat. For some it may be 2-3 hours ahead, for others, they may be better to eat something more in the hour and a half range.

Stay Hydrated All Day

Staying hydrated is part of any healthy regimen, and is even more important on exercise days. By making a pointed effort to stay hydrated in the hours before yoga, you will not feel parched during class. Staying hydrated is important for all yoga classes, and is essential for heated or Bikram yoga classes.

Know When You are Most Flexible

Most people tend to be less flexible in the early morning hours, after a good night's sleep. Evening time is when most yoga students find they are the most flexible. By being aware that you are less flexible in the morning, you are less likely to try stretching as far as you can in the evenings, and less likely to cause injury.

If you are very stiff and inflexible, stick to late afternoon and evening yoga classes.

Warm Up Your Body

When possible try to take at least an eight to ten minute walk before any yoga class. If you take yoga at a gym, use the treadmill before class. Or take a walk at home or near the yoga studio, if this is feasible.