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Medical Author:

Manoj Sharma, MBBS, PhD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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You don't have to be flexible to practice yoga. In fact, yoga will help you become flexible. Because there are many different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle to vigorous, you will want to find a teacher and style that suit your needs, abilities, limitations, current physical condition, and class schedule.

Make sure the teacher knows about any health conditions and your level of fitness. Don't force any movements or poses. Mastery will come with practice. Wear comfortable, stretchable, or slightly loose clothing and expect to take off your shoes.

A yoga class should make you feel invigorated, calm, and not in physical discomfort. Try to attend a yoga class twice a week or more. Classes usually last 60-90 minutes.

Some of the other guidelines for practicing yoga are as follows:

• Remove contact lenses, wrist watch, and other accessories, and tie up long hair.
• Do not attempt yoga on a full stomach.
• Use a nonslip mat that is long enough for you to lie fully stretched on your back.
• Do a warm-up session. The muscles need to be fluid for the complex stretches.
• Practice in a quiet and peaceful environment.

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