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Want To Practice Yoga But Don’t Know Where To Begin?

Yoga can be extremely beneficial for our health and wellbeing - and many people wonder if they should give it a try. Oftentimes, however, the choices in styles and classes can be overwhelming, making it confusing to know where to begin.

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Want To Practice Yoga But Don’t Know Where To Begin?

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  1. Want To Practice Yoga But Don’t Know Where To Begin?

  2. Yoga can be extremely beneficial for our health and wellbeing - and many people wonder if they should give it a try. Oftentimes, however, the choices in styles and classes can be overwhelming, making it confusing to know where to begin. If you want to start practicing yoga but aren’t quite sure where to start, then we have some great tips and pointers for you:

  3. Decide which type of yoga you want to practice: There are many different styles of yoga and so it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of what you’re looking for in order to understand what types of yoga to experiment with. If you’re already physically fit and looking for a workout, you’ll choose a different style than if you’re not particularly active and are just looking to gradually improve your flexibility and balance. Maybe you want a jumpstart to your day with an energetic practice that gets you going or perhaps you lead a very stressful life and are looking to yoga as a calming break to help you reset at the end of a long day. There truly are many options and it’s just a question of finding the right teachers and studios whose offerings match what you’re looking for.

  4. Either way, since you are just getting started, be sure to ask if the class is appropriate for beginners. Some classes will be specifically designated as such and others will be open to multiple levels of practitioners, including neophytes. Some classes, however will be geared toward more experienced yogis; skip these for now and get acquainted with the basics first. There will be plenty of time for advanced classes as you get more comfortable with the practice.

  5. • Hatha: the term hatha is a general term usually used to refer to any type of yoga that involves practicing physical postures. If you see a class being advertised as hatha yoga, then you can expect a slow and gentle introduction to the foundational yoga postures. These classes are often appropriate for all levels and don’t require a high level of fitness.

  6. • Ashtanga/Vinyasa: Ashtange is a style of yoga that requires you to perform the same specific sequence of postures and poses, in the same order, and each movement is linked to a breathing exercise. Vinyasa is a more free-form practice with roots in Ashtanga, but with less structure and more variety. Both tend to be very vigorous practices. While each can be appropriate for beginners, it’s good to have a base level of fitness and be certain to find an introductory class or a teacher comfortable offering variations for new students.

  7. • Hot yoga: hot yoga is often, though not always, based on an original series called Bikram yoga, though it has evolved to include a great many more options than Bikram yoga does. Both styles are performed in heated rooms, so arrive prepared to sweat profusely. These also tend to be athletic practices so it is good to have a basic level of fitness before jumping in.

  8. • Gentle or Restorative: gentle yoga can be a great place to start for someone new to the practice or seeking a slower pace and a class with less emphasis on athleticism. The focus tends to be more on alignment, steady movement, and calm pacing. Restorative practices can be very healing and tend to be supported poses using props on the floor to create a sense of serenity and relaxation.

  9. Find a class that teaches this type of yoga: A trusted recommendation is a great place to start if you know others with similar objectives who have taken yoga classes and enjoyed them. Getting the names of good studios and teachers in your area is a great place to start. Look them up online and see if their approach seems like what you are looking for. Keep in mind that a good studio will offer a variety of options throughout the day and week, so inquire about introductory classes and teachers who welcome beginners. Many studios also offer low introductory rates so that you can try yoga out for a week or two and experiment with different classes and teachers.

  10. If you already belong to a gym that offers group classes, then they may offer yoga as well. General fitness facilities don’t often have the range of classes that a dedicated yoga studio will have, but can have teachers who are just as skilled. Be sure to check that the class is appropriate for a beginner, however, because you might feel lost in a more advanced class and that could spoil the experience or even lead to injury.

  11. Online searches will help you locate classes that are nearby and convenient for your schedule. In the end, if you are hoping to make yoga a regular part of your life, then you want to narrow your search to appropriate locations – close to home or work, for instance. If you become a dedicated practitioner, then you may well travel longer distances for your favorite teachers, but start by making it easier on yourself and you’re likelier to stick with it.

  12. What to wear and bring to class: You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your movement in any way, and which are made of light, breathable materials. Either loose and flowing or tight and stretchy can both work, depending upon what you’re most comfortable wearing. Most yoga studios have mats that can either be borrowed for free or rented for a small fee. Eventually, you’ll want your own mat, but you likely won’t need one to get started.

  13. A water bottle is essential to remain hydrated and a towel might be appropriate, especially if you’re practicing hot yoga or another form where you’re prone to sweat. For the most part, yoga requires little equipment aside from a mat, though several styles do make use of additional props. If any props are necessary – blocks, blankets, straps, etc. – they will be provided by the studio.

  14. Read up on what to expect from a yoga class: Mats are generally placed in loosely formed rows in the classroom or studio, and remember to leave enough space between your mat and that of your neighbour, as some of the poses and postures may require a little space. Some yoga teachers begin their classes with some chanting or the invocation of an intention, and some like to start with short breathing exercises before beginning the class.

  15. There will then be a series of warm up poses followed by more vigorous poses (except in restorative classes), and sessions will almost always end with a final relaxation pose. Some classes may also conclude with a closing chant or perhaps a brief meditation. Expect to be a bit sore the next day in certain spots as you are likely to have used muscles that hadn’t seen regular exercise recently. The soreness will pass quickly, though if you keep practicing and moving deeper into the poses, you might notice that soreness shifts to elsewhere in your body as you progress and get stronger and more flexible.

  16. If there are no yoga classes near you, you still have options: There really is no substitute for attending a yoga class taught by a good teacher, but if there aren’t any in your area, then you still have several options. The best is to find a commercial service that offers yoga classes online. You can often sample a variety of different teachers to see what style you like and there are usually options for a variety of different class lengths so there’s additional flexibility.

  17. Beyond online offerings, there is also a plethora of books and DVDs that can be very helpful. Books, in particular, can be an excellent component to studio classes to really help you learn more about the poses as well as the philosophy and history, if those are of interest. If possible, try to start by attending at least a few classes with a skilled teacher to learn the basics – and periodically return to studio classes to make sure you don’t get entrenched in bad habits that could lead to injury. Online classes, DVDs, and books can be a great complement to live classes, especially since they can help you to squeeze in a 20-30 minute practice on days when you otherwise wouldn’t have time to make it to the studio.

  18. A few more things to remember: • As with any new activity or exercise program, be sure to consult your physician first to make sure that you are healthy enough to start practicing yoga. • Best not to practice shortly after a meal. Give yourself some time to digest. • Don’t forget to stay hydrated, before and after a class • Inform your yoga teacher that you’re new to yoga and be sure to mention any injuries or physical limitations

  19. If you need help at any point during the class, don’t be afraid to ask • Go in with an open mind and a willingness to learn • If something feels wrong for your body, honor that. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice advanced poses later. In the beginning, take it slowly. We hope these tips give you a good introduction and encourage you to explore all that yoga has to offer. It’s a practice that can truly help you to lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. Enjoy!

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