Yoga Tips for Beginners
New to yoga? Yoga is a non-judgmental practice, it does not discriminate. Whether you chose yoga to take care of your mental health, to strengthen your body, or for spiritual growth, it doesn't matter - you will find the perfect routine that suits your needs.
That said, doing something for the first time can be intimidating especially if you are not the most flexible person in the room. And since it’s your first time, you might think to yourself, can you hold the poses long enough? What to do if you trip and fall off the mat?
You might think that you don’t have the physicality to perform certain yoga poses or that the practice itself is only good for people who could twist like a pretzel but don’t fret, yoga is for everyone, no matter the skill level.
And to make your yoga journey a smooth one, we’ve outlined these beginner-friendly tips:
Choose a Beginner-Friendly Yoga Class
Yoga classes aren’t created equally, some are suitable for beginners, others are best for intermediate to advanced students. To make the transition easier for you, choose a class that’s designed specifically for beginners. Some of the best types of yoga for beginners are:
The yoga poses are perfect for those who are just exploring the practice. Of course, if you love a good challenge, you cal always check out different classes to see what feels the best for you.
While you can always practice yoga at home, on your own, nothing beats having a qualified yoga teacher around to help you achieve the right form. With a qualified yoga teacher, you can get proper advice on best practices while also gaining a deeper understanding of the practice itself. You’ll learn which poses are best for you, what these poses do, and how often you should do them based on your body structure and health.
Work with a Qualified Yoga Teacher
Don’t Push Your Body Too Hard
Yoga is meant to provide a deeper sense of calm, it’s not supposed to hurt or strain the muscles. Never do anything that feels painful, dangerous, or wrong. If a certain pose is only bringing you pain, do not push your body too hard. For example, if you are heavily pregnant and you cannot do certain poses, wait until your body has fully recovered from the pregnancy before you try it.
If your ankle is injured then avoid poses that put weight on the injured ankle. Everyone has their own physical limitations so always listen to your body.
No need to invest in fancy yoga gear for your first yoga class. The important thing to remember when it comes to clothing is to wear stretchy clothes that allow for free movement. Anything that restricts body movement is a no-no because the practice itself calls for a lot of stretching. In many cases, the poses require you to bend at certain angles so the clothes should stay on.
Comfort is Everything
A comfy, stretchy top and leggings are perfect for yoga. These are the kind of clothes that moves with your body and stays on without digging or cutting off your circulation.
Hydrate but Avoid Snacking
Staying hydrated is important before practice but stop short of snacking. In fact, avoid eating an hour or two before your yoga class. Take small sips of liquid to hydrate but avoid drinking during the practice. You might end up getting sick in the middle of the class. Also, try to avoid drinks or food that contains too much sugar, alcohol, or caffeine before the class.
Just like any type of sports, you’ll be better at yoga if you do it often. Don’ be disheartened if you cannot do the poses right or if you trip and fall. Give yourself time to adjust. Your body will become accustomed to the practice if you attend classes consistently as opposed to attending long sessions occasionally.
Practice Makes Perfect
Even a daily 15-minute yoga sesh does a world of difference to the mind, body, and soul compared to a marathon, once a month yoga session. When you do something often enough, the body becomes familiar with the practice. Eventually, the body becomes more flexible, allowing you to perform more complex poses at longer intervals.
Spirituality + Mindfulness
Most people sign up for a yoga class to improve their flexibility or tone their muscles. But the practice itself is more than just physical exercise. It’s important to practice spiritual awareness and mindfulness too. To get the most out of every yoga class, take its spiritual aspects to heart. Meditate, practice positive affirmations, do breathing exercises, and practice mindfulness in your everyday life. All these will help you maximize the holistic health benefits of yoga.
Practicing yoga should be about enriching yourself and promoting your own spiritual growth. It's not a competition so do not compare your progress to other people. Some people learn faster than others, some take more time to master a certain pose and that's okay. Acknowledge every goal you've achieved, no matter how small. The most important thing to remember when practicing yoga is to focus on physical and mental healing.
Do Not Compare Yourself to Other People
Yoga is one of the Yoga can be intimidating for first-time students but it doesn't have to be. Once you get into the habit, you'll find that the practice is not only fulfilling, it will also help you heal from the inside and out. So go ahead and give yoga a try!