Om: Often said at the beginning and end of class, om (rhymes with home) is a sacred utterance. It is believed to be the primordial sound of the universe and the resonance that brought everything into creation.

Ujjayi breath: One of the first things you'll notice in a yoga class is the loud, whale-like noise of everyone's breathing. Ujjayi breath is a type of conscious yogic breathing via the nostrils, achieved by slightly constricting the base of the throat. This takes practice, so don't worry if you can't get the hang of it initially.

Shavasana: Otherwise known as "corpse pose," this position involves lying on your back with your palms up and eyes closed. It's often performed at the very end of a class.

Namaste: A Sanskrit word spoken at the end of class, usually with your hands in a prayer position, it means, essentially, "I bow to that same place in you that is in me." In India, the word is used as an everyday greeting.

Asana: This simply refers to any of the postures in yoga.

Learn how yoga benefits your body and mind.
                                               

This story was originally titled "The Om Effect" in the September 2014 issue.             Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!