# 31 - Every Body is Different

Stretch only as far as your body allows – one day at a time and one inch per stretch. If the intensity of a particular stretch does not feel simply delicious, your body is probably not ready for this stretch just yet. Instead, try to hold postures longer for greater effect. Training a willing body to hold stretches for longer periods of time in symphony with your breath is a more accurate indication of progress than enabling an agitated body to twist itself into knots, or doing arm balances while holding your breath.

# 30 - Names DO Matter

Much as classroom yoga is intended to improve listening skills as we keep our eyes shut in an attempt to internalize our practice, until we are familiar with the instructor’s “mistakes”, it is a good idea to keep our eyes open and watch the demo (I believe this is called "visual capture"). This is an age where the word yoga has taken a ubiquitous entity of its own (referring to pranam asana as tadasana, or tuladandasana as virabhadra III…). John Jacob Jr. or George the V, I understand; virabhadra I, II, III, or surya namaskara A, B, C I do not. Imaginative as the names sound, let us choose to research various postures before going to class, so that when the instructor mentions one name but demonstrates another, at least we would have tried to keep up.

# 29 - If It’s In Our Genes

Since it is possible to delay eight common ailments in under 20 minutes with 48 Plus, let us stay ahead by putting off everyday ailments that may reside in our genes. Let us Stay Fit for Life naturally, with this simple, safe, low impact, structured stretch sequence, designed for busy adults with limited resources. This daily master health check up not only acts as a bridge for when we cannot go to fitness class, the resulting good health raises energy levels and lowers insurance premiums. It also helps improve staff morale and cuts down absenteeism at work. Everybody wins. For once, putting it off can actually mean staying ahead.

# 28 - Group Practice Guidelines

Back in the studio, some simple group practice guidelines include – not stepping on each other’s mats, coming to class ten minutes early, silent deep breathing, and introverting before class begins. Learn to zone out fire engine and police sirens, as we would zone out negative thoughts. In a classroom, do as the instructor says, not as s/he does – the mirror method does not work for everyone. If the music is loud, ask to keep it down – jarring music drains us most during balance postures. Repetitions are for gyms – during yoga practice, a slow, deliberate motion that corresponds with your breath is most effective. Coordinating movement with breath helps maintain the natural rhythm of harmony in our body.