Yoga signifies the union of the body, mind, self, and the universe. For this reason, yoga is not just a workout or striking a pose on a mat, it’s a way of life.
While yoga is commonly perceived as an exercise, it can bring change on multiple levels. Yoga can bring, not just a great body, but helps find space to calm the mind.
Yoga beginners are brand new to yoga and likely to have many questions. Knowing what to expect and what works before class will help you feel at ease.
1. Decide Why You Want To Do Yoga
There are many different reasons that you may want to start practicing yoga. For instance, you may want to expand your spiritual awareness, maintain good health, or lose weight. It is important to know what exactly your reasons are for starting yoga because each reason implies different practices and knowledge.
2. Get advice From An Experienced Yoga Teacher
It is okay to think that you can start practicing yoga on your own. But before doing so, receiving advice from an experienced teacher, in the beginning, will give you a good idea how to start your practice. An instructor can give you advice on which poses to do for your specific goals and how often to do them based on your body.
3. Buy a sticky mat
A sticky mat is a great investment for yoga beginners. You may often have trouble with your balance and a sticky mat will help provide the support you need. This will avoid muscle sprains and cramps.
4. Respect Your Body’s Intuition And Limitations
When your body says “enough” take the hint. Don’t push yourself to do anything that is uncomfortable for your body. You can actually hurt yourself more than help.
5. Breathe
Breathing is crucial when it comes to yoga. Breath into your whole body during the poses is key. Breathing helps reduce stress and oxygenates your body. If you remember to breathe, it will help you progress faster in your practice.
Many people naturally hold their breath, when there is a difficult pose. Be mindful and remember to breathe through it. It will make that pose much less difficult and eliminate strain on the body.
6. Don’t Compare Yourself With Others
Pay attention to your own progress and less about others’ progress. Yoga beginners need to learn is not a competitive sport, it is gentle progress that comes from within. Focus on your goals and slowly allow your body to get there.
7. Wear comfortable clothes
Wearing stretchy pants or leggings and a comfortable top is a perfect outfit for yoga. You want to make sure your clothes are comfortable to move freely into different poses.
8. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential when you are performing any physical activity, so make sure you are drinking enough water. Take a bottle of water to every yoga class.
9. Modify Postures For Your Body
A pose you see your instructor teaching may not be what your body can achieve at the moment. Listening to the instructor instead of trying to mimic exactly what they are doing is a more effective way to achieve your goals. Your body will move at its own pace. It is important that yoga beginners try not to force your body into a certain pose, let it flow naturally. For example, you may always use blocks, bolster, etc to guide you toward your ideal posture.
Yoga Accessories For Yoga Beginners
- Mat
- Block
- Yoga Strap
- Yoga Bolster
- Blanket
- Sticky Mat
