Hello everyone,
I want to begin a daily yoga asana practice in the mornings. I have been doing yoga asana in the morning for a few months now, however I was wondering if there are things I should do before I start practicing the postures.
Thank you in advance,
-Sonrita
Take bath before yoga(preferably) or do bath 30 minutes after yoga.
Stomach empty(3 hours atleast if you are doing inversions)
Bowel empty(preferably)
Hmmm, a hot bath or a cold bath? I’ve heard about taking a bath before doing yoga, but I’ve also heard that you shouldn’t. What is the benefit of taking a bath?
no brainer…it is bit easy for body movements after bath. for that matter doing in the evening will be better…
Asana practice normally follows savasana, prayer/mantra and sun salutation in that order. It’s good to meditate first thing on waking as well.
Hello Sonrita,
I don’t believe anything is necessary before beginning your morning practice other than getting out of bed and making your way to your mat. That having been said, it is best to experiment so that you can find what works for YOU before your practice. If it is a glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice, a bath, or a glance at the morning paper.
A lot of good information here, thanks everyone.
I suppose the shower is a bit of a no brainer. Perhaps a half shower would also work? I know Anada Marga practices the half shower, but I’m not too sure about their entire yogic philosophy or practice.
A lot of good information here, thanks everyone.
I suppose the shower is a bit of a no brainer. Perhaps a half shower would also work? I know Anada Marga practices the half shower, but I’m not too sure about their entire yogic philosophy or practice.
Quick bowel movement as soon as one gets up is essential and practicing Apan Mudra helps.
APAN MUDRA
Join the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip of the thumb; the forefinger and the little finger should be held upright.
It facilitates the discharge of waste matter from the body and purifies the system. This is the energy mudra and stimulates the wood element which is associated with the liver and gall bladder. This mudra regulates the excretory system and relieves vomiting and constipation. This mudra promotes the release of all forms of bodily toxins and waste products by encouraging movement of the bowels and release of the bladder as well as excretions from the nose, eyes, mouth, ears, and sweat glands.
At times I like to start with three rounds of Kalabati (good on empty stomach!) and seven rounds of bridge pose, slowly rolling the spine down with breath out as you do so (Uddiyana Bandha).
These will be great to start the digestive tract moving at the start of your day. 
…with compliments, my yoga teacher.
It does seem that Ujjayi breathing warms up the body. I’ll experiment with bathing and doing pranayama in the mornings. Although Sun Salutations are meant to warm up the body, I feel my body is too stiff in the mornings even to that.
wake up
jump rope 2mins
and drink hell of water
. . .
I like walking or jumping rope for around 10-20 mins before doing asanas in the morning…gets the blood flowing.
It feels right.
I like a cup of coffee.
For some reason coffee and yoga seem to go together for me.