Before You Hit The Floor

Some tips to help your first foray into yoga go smoothly.

1)Talk to you doctor.certain medical conditions may rule out specific poses.if you have high blood pressure,glaucoma,a history of retinal detachment,or heart disease,for instance,your doctor may advise you not to do hand,head or shoulder stands.because they tend to increase blood flow to the head,such positions could aggravate any of those conditions.

2)Fit the class to your abilities.talk to the teacher before signing up to alert him or her to your newcomer status and make sure you'll be comfortable with the level of the class.

3)Wear comfortable clothes.good choices are bike shorts,stretchy leggings,or tight and a T-shirt.you must be able to move easily and be able to see you body.work bare-foot,but take your own mat if you prefer.

4)Don't overdo it.push yourself,but don't be talked into anything that feels overly difficult.a good yoga teacher will guide-rather than force-your body into the correct form.

5)Eat early.try not to have a meal within two hours of class.

6)Stay at home,if you prefer.rent a few beginner videotapes or have a few one-on-one sessions with a private teacher.