Some yoga forms for the Dubai Fitness Challenge

Icannot appreciate the Dubai government enough for their creative ideas and seamless implementation of these plans.

The Dubai Fitness Challenge is an initiative to promote fitness and good health among residents. Being a resident and a yoga teacher, through this article, I am sharing some tips that will help you reap the maximum benefits from yoga classes during the challenge.

> Do attend regular gatherings and enjoy the group experience. Listening to fitness gurus to get charged and motivated to push the limits. If you’re a complete beginner in yoga, start with Hatha yoga, Sukshma Vyayama or Iyengar style of yoga for a strong foundation.

If you’re looking for a yoga form that’s very challenging for the body, try Ashtanga or other Vinyasa flows.

An empty stomach is desirable for the practice but if you are attending a session in the evening, ensure you are very light on your stomach.

Do carry a water bottle but avoid having water half an hour before the session, during the session and half an hour after the session. Sip water in low quantities only if your body requires it. Having water during the yoga class is not recommended.

If you are taking bath before your yoga class, go for the room temperature or cold-water shower (not ice cold) and if you’re taking bath after the session, have a hot water bath. This is because hot

water bath makes your body stiffer after the bath, interfering with your ability to stretch.

Wear light and loose (cotton based) clothes to allow good air circulation during the practice.

The weather is changing, so if your sinuses are blocked, try attending the Jal neti workshop and few Pranayama sessions to improve your breath flow. Excitement is good, however, self-control is equally essential. Realising this please ensure not to exhaust your body by taking too many yoga classes a day. One hour for the body — any Hatha or Vinyasa form and one hour for the mind — Pranayama or meditation is just perfect.