Learning to breathe properly is critical to relaxation and proper breathing is constantly emphasized in yoga. Breathing in yoga is deep and full. Each breath makes the abdomen move so there is total exchange of the air in the lungs. When I do yoga, I breathe slowly and fully. I am never encouraged to push myself beyond what I am comfortable doing.
Yogic philosophy considers it important to respect the body's limits.
Some exercise programs urge you to push yourself until it hurts. But in yoga, pain rarely brings gain. I carry my experience with yoga beyond the classroom into regular life. Being centered does not always involve being quiet and motionless. Yoga teaches individuals to be present in one moment.