Beginning Yoga? Here's What You Need To Know To Get Off To A Safe And Enjoyable Start...
Are you beginning yoga?
Is yoga something you would like to try?
Many beginner yoga students have lots of questions—I remember I did!
I took my first yoga class more than a decade ago. I was seeking relief from low back pain and sciatica caused by herniated disks.
My back felt a little better after my first yoga for beginners class and within several months of starting yoga, I was virtually pain free.
While yoga helped heal my body, it also calmed my mind and nourished my soul in a way I had never experienced before.
I've been a yoga proponent ever since.
Yoga is a huge topic, so I won't be able to address everything here—but this should be a good starting point for anyone who wants to unroll her/his sticky mat with confidence.
Yoga for Beginners—Answers to Some Common Questions
What Is Yoga? Yoga is an ancient health and fitness philosophy designed to help bring your body, mind, and spirit into balance. It's a true body-mind approach to health and wellness that originated in India more than five thousand years ago.
The branch of yoga most common here in the west is hatha yoga, which focuses on the practice of physical exercise to bring balance, strength, and flexibility to the body and mind.
The fundamental aim of yoga from its onset was to help quiet the mind and create inner stillness—something we need more than ever in these over-scheduled chaotic times.
Is Yoga A Religion? According to respected Viniyoga Master Teacher, Gary Kraftsow, "Yoga is actually more correctly understood as a science of mind oriented towards understanding the mind/body relationship."
Yoga can support and complement the faith of all religious traditions. There are Yoga enthusiasts who are practicing Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims.
Why Yoga? The list of benefits yoga can provide is long and varied. Learn more about the benefits of beginning yoga.
What Is The Best Type Of Yoga For Beginners? There are many types of yoga being taught today. The type of yoga for beginners that is best for you will depend on many things including:
Your reason for practicing
The benefits you seek
Your age
Your current fitness level
Your existing health concerns
Your exercise style
Some types of yoga are very detail-oriented and slow, others very physical and/or fast-paced.
Some types of yoga are suited to the healthy athlete and others are more amenable to modification for mature adults and/or those with health concerns.
Some types of yoga are gentle while others are very vigorous.
Do a little research to learn about the different types of yoga being taught in your area. Remember to check with your doctor or health care provider before starting a yoga practice.
Disclaimer: Remember to check with your doctor or health care provider before starting yoga!
So you've done your research, checked with your health care provider, determined the type of yoga that seems right for you and you're ready for to begin a yoga practice.
What next?
There are several options for beginner yoga students:
Take a Beginning Yoga Class Attending a group yoga class is one way beginners can get started doing yoga. An experienced teacher can make sure you are doing the poses in a safe way with good alignment.
Many yoga studios offer introductory yoga sessions that will provide a great foundation for you.
Research the various yoga teachers and yoga studios in your area. Search the Internet and ask for recommendations.
Many yoga studios also offer a discount on your first class. Find a yoga space that makes you feel comfortable and connected. If the first yoga teacher and/or yoga studio doesn't feel right, try another!
Important Things to Know When Beginning Yoga Yoga Class Etiquette
Many yoga studios have guidelines that you will want to be aware of. Here are some examples:
Refrain from eating approximately two hours before class (have a light snack if necessary). Yoga feels better when you practice on an empty stomach.
Arrive 15 minutes early for your first yoga class--this will give you time to sign in, familiarize yourself with the studio and meet your instructor
Make sure all cell phones/pagers are turned off
Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely and comfortably
Remove your shoes. Many yoga studios have a place for your shoes by the front door
Honor yourself and your body--work at your own level. Don't compare and compete—you can get hurt!
When you need to rest during your beginning yoga class, take child's pose and resume with the class when you feel ready. Don't push yourself too hard!
Avoid wearing strong perfume to class
Work Privately with a Yoga Teacher
This is the ideal way for beginning yoga, especially if you are self-conscious about practicing in a group or have specific conditions, injuries, and/or physical limitations.
Many yoga studios offer private instruction and there are yoga teachers who specialize in working privately with small groups. If you have the means, this is the best way for beginning yoga. You can receive personal attention designed specifically for your needs and goals.
Beginning yoga at home with the aid of books, CDs, and/or DVDs is another way to get started, especially if the thought of going to a yoga studio intimidates you, you have limited time, or are on a tight budget.
Beginning yoga this way requires self-discipline and motivation, but is a cost-effective, time-efficient way to introduce yourself to yoga.
The key to beginning yoga is to not get discouraged or attempt too much, too soon. Start with just five to ten minutes.
The first couple of times you do yoga, the positions may feel awkward since you're moving in ways that may feel foreign. It won't take long for your body and mind to get comfortable with the poses, making the whole experience much more enjoyable.
There are many beginning yoga resources available.
Again, do some research and rent or purchase the book/CD/DVD that seems right for you.
