The fact that you’re interested in starting a yoga class is a step in the right direction. There are many ways that you can make your yoga practice work for you, even if you only have a few minutes each day to dedicate to it. Use these yoga beginner tips as a jumping-off point to get started. You do not need to use all of them—allow your yoga practice to naturally grow and develop over time.
1.Find a quality teacher
An experienced yoga instructor can provide a great deal of insight and guidance as you practice. A qualified yoga teacher can answer your questions during your class, as well as help you achieve the proper posture for each pose with individualized cues and hands-on adjustments. A great teacher should be knowledgeable yet kind, friendly, and compassionate.
2.Wear comfortable clothing
The right clothes can make a world of difference in class. Ideally, you’ll want to select a supportive top and yoga pants made from breathable materials with moisture-wicking features. For cooler weather, you may want to invest in thermal athletic gear you can easily layer to stay warm.
3.Use a clean non-slip mat
A yoga mat allows you to work through your routine without worrying about slipping in the poses. It also provides padding for your joints, especially your wrists and knees. Make sure you choose a mat with enough stickiness or grip to hold your hands and feet in place. Also, clean your mat regularly to maintain its traction and prevent unpleasant smells.
4.Avoid making comparisons
Avoid making comparisons Because yoga is your own journey, there is no point in checking out someone else’s progress for the sake of comparing and judging yourself to them. You can draw motivation, appreciation, and inspiration from their bodies’ capabilities; however, don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t at that point yet. Regular practice will help you get there.
5.Modify for your body and needs
Modify for your body and needs Particularly at the beginning, it will be difficult to accomplish every pose covered in your class. If you find that you’re having trouble, your instructor can help you find ways to make it easier on your body. Don’t be afraid to use blocks, straps, or blankets to make the practice easier for your body.
6.Begin where you are
Yoga is a transformative journey meant to lead you towards some type of goal, whether that goal is less stress, better health, or inner peace. Knowing where you are can help you know where to begin and take your first steps towards your goal. Consider reaching out to a local studio for recommendations and guidance for your level of experience and fitness.
7.Notice your Breathing
While a teacher at one yoga class may instruct students in a completely different style of breathing to the yoga studio next door, it’s really all the same.While the breathing exercise itself may seem important, the most important thing to learn is awareness of breath.
Whether you are taking a forceful exhale out the mouth in a Kundalini yoga class or filling your chest with fresh oxygen in a relaxing yoga pose, the connection between awareness and breath is one of the most beneficial aspects of yoga for beginners. Simply starting to notice your inhale and exhale can yield better sleep, reduced stress, and more present moment awareness.
So even if you can’t do some of the more complex poses, making the effort to notice the breath and to carefully guide it will have equally profound effects on your practice. Way more profound than being able to throw your foot behind your head.
8.Understand the Core of Yoga
It’s about breathing, finding inner strength through meditation, and creating freedom in the body with basic yoga poses. It’s truly that simple. So don’t worry about losing weight or bending over backwards (those will come soon enough). Instead, understand that yoga is a process and a lifestyle. The physical practice is only one of the eight limbs of yoga.
9.Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial, regardless of the form of exercise you’ve chosen. While it isn’t recommended to drink during yoga, there are some ways that you can stay hydrated throughout your practice. About an hour before class, for instance, start sipping a 16-ounce bottle of water. Drink another 20 ounces after you’ve finished your yoga class to replace fluids.
10.Set an intention
Setting intentions for your yoga classes can help you feel motivated to work towards your goals. An intention is a purpose for your practice, which can change for each session if you prefer. Your intention is a tool to focus your mind away from thoughts and distractions, towards feelings of peace, kindness, acceptance, or whatever else you feel is needed in your life.,
11. Savor Shavasana
Shavasana, the final relaxation pose, might be the most difficult posture in the class. Many of us are accustomed to being constantly active and busy, and lying still with our thoughts and feelings, can be a challenging experience. Practice shifting your attention to the sensations of your body relaxing and consciously work on releasing stress and tension during the pose.
Use these yoga beginner tips as a jumping-off point to get started. All the best
Namaste