Now that you’ve learned proper form and prepared a space, you are ready to begin your routine. Some people like to become invigorated in the early morning. Others would rather use yoga to unwind after a long day. Whichever you choose, Freeman recommends waiting two to three hours after a heavy meal and one hour after a light meal. “Having a relatively empty stomach is important because during an asana practice there is much activity in the abdomen, and too much food in the stomach impedes movement,” he says. Also, Freeman adds, blood goes to the stomach for digestion after you’ve eaten, causing your body to relax and your practice to be less vibrant.