Getting Started With Yoga For Beginners

Getting started with yoga can be fun, and it's not as hard as you might expect! You can start with the basics and progress to different types of yoga to discover which style fits your needs the best. There are several types of yoga. Hatha yoga classes, for instance, will teach you the basics of yoga, while Vinyasa includes the basics, but follows a more vigorous routine. On the other hand, Ashtanga and Power Yoga are faster-paced variants.

Moreover, there's also Iyengar yoga; this type of yoga is more focused on body alignment and specific areas of the body. Meanwhile, there's Kundalini; while all yoga includes proper breathing techniques, Kundalini focuses a lot on breathing with movement. On the other hand, Bikram (Hot) Yoga is practiced in a 95-100 degree room so you can sweat and loosen muscles.

So, how do you get started with yoga? As you read on, you'll learn the 10 basic guidelines of yoga for beginners. If you follow these, you can start enjoying the benefits of yoga in your life.

1Buy A Good Yoga Mat

If you're unsure which mat is a good one, ask your local sports equipment store for help. You may also need some other supplies as your routine grows more intense. These supplies include Yoga straps or blocks.

2Consider Your Environmental Preference

Do you prefer to exercise alone or in a group? Think about whether you prefer a group environment or not. If you're not into groups, you may feel more comfortable buying a DVD to work out at home.

3Check What's Available In Your Area

If you decide to seek out a Yoga class, see if there are available offers in your area. Call your local fitness and community centers. Many such places include Yoga classes that are perfect for beginners.

4Wear The Proper Clothing

Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes, but steer clear of overly baggy ones. Leggings and a T-shirt are suitable for women. Men can wear sporty, jogging-type pants.

5Be Open-Minded About Yoga

Yoga is not only about exercising your body. It's also helping your mind become in tune with your body. It also focuses on using every muscle and joint to improve flexibility and awareness.

6Don't Push Yourself Too Hard

Your instructor should tell you not to push yourself too hard. So, pay attention to their message. You shouldn't feel pain when doing yoga. Take caution to avoid overdoing it.

7Focus On Your Breathing

Breathing is an integral part of any Yoga workout. Although it might be hard at first, focus your efforts on the breathing techniques. Eventually, these will become a habit, and you won't need to think about how to breathe correctly. But until you get to that point, make a concerted effort to breathe properly.

8Don't Feel Intimidated

Don't feel intimidated if you can't do all the poses correctly. In time, you'll begin to strengthen the muscles you need. Just like anything else, it takes practice to master yoga.

9Keep A Regular Routine

Yoga works best when performed at regular intervals. Keep up with your workouts to reap the benefits. Consistency is the key when it comes to yoga or any exercise.

10Use A Buddy System

If you find it hard to stick to a good yoga plan, enlist the help of a friend who may be looking at yoga, as well. Having a buddy join you at your yoga classes can be much more fun. Try to encourage your yoga buddy, as well!

When you decide it's time to get started with yoga, stick to the basics, start slowly. Don't fret if you can't do everything correctly from the get-go. Yoga is a rewarding and helpful way to turn your body, mind, and spirit into one healthy and happy unit.

GET THE FREE MAGAZINE DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU: