Yoga with Perumal focuses on joint preparation which is beneficial to beginners and the elderly. Joint preparation exercises and light stretching commences the yoga retreat. A joint is any part of the body in which two or more bones make contact. They are sensitive and prone to injury. One must take care of them to avoid injuries. Joint preparations are an excellent warmup for the experienced.

Have you experienced joint pains? Usually, this occurs after a long period of inactivity. Returning to exercising too strong too soon may result in joint injuries. We cannot dive into postures after a long period of physical inactivity without considering the joints first. Quite often this is how people are hurt when starting yoga lessons.

Often yoga classes dwell on muscular strength, flexibility, and breathing. Depending on the teacher or style we often find these fundamentals at varying levels. But the joints are often neglected. It is important that new yoga practitioners without a fitness background start to practice joints first.

Muscles receive more circulation than tendons which are connecting muscles to bones. Tendons require time to strengthen and catch up with muscular development stemming from higher circulation. When there is a long period of physical inactivity this tends to be a recipe for injuries. This is why people with prolonged periods of absences from physical activity are to return lightly in their practice. Without light preparatory steps, tendons may not accommodate the increased load muscles are creating and so strain may result. This is especially true for former athletes with muscles that are very prepared to develop faster than a pure beginner to physical activity. Also, preparatory sequences enable movement of the synovial fluid which is a thin layer at the surface of cartilage within the joints. During joint preparation exercises, the synovial fluid held in the cartilage is released to provide a layer of fluid upon cartilage surfaces. This functions to reduce friction, absorb shock and then transport nutrients and waste.

Hone a routine program of joint exercises. Keep in mind yoga is not only about stretching and breathing. Joint preparation enabling strength building of muscles is paramount. Stretching alone creates joints that are too loose and so prone to injuries. Joints have to continually be conditioned. Practice yoga for your joints consistently as a way of maintaining joints that are without aches and pains.