Tips for Yoga Beginners

Yoga is known for many benefits – for mind and body.

Yoga is always known for its challenging and intimidating asanas (poses). For someone who is considering giving yoga a go or is a beginner, here’s what you need to know before you begin:

1. 1. Clothing:

One of the important aspect to consider when you decide to begin yoga. Try to avoid clothes which can hinder your movements. Instead wear clothes which allows you to move freely and be comfortable throughout the session. It is also important to keep in mind that at some point of your session/class, you will be in positions where mishaps can happen; thus form-fitting clothing is recommended as they take the shape and stretch as you move.

1. 2. Be patient:

As with everything else in life, yoga also takes time to learn and master. So, don’t fret about getting it right the first time or be able to successfully perform complex yoga asanas (postures).

1. 3. Eat Light:

After your meal, it generally takes two hours for you to have an empty stomach and it’s OK to practice yoga. If it’s been a while since your last meal and you need nourishment you can eat easy to digest food (Oat meal, Almonds, Banana, Avocados, Apples, Smoothies, Greek Yogurt) that doesn’t cause or make you bloated or heavy and can help you through the yoga session.

1. 4. Find a teacher or join a class:

It is recommended that you either join a yoga class or find a qualified yoga teacher. As you will be learning various asanas (postures) and some of them are complex, having a teacher around will help you learn and understand the asanas (postures) correctly thus avoiding any potential injuries.

1. 5. Breathe:

Breathing plays a vital role in Yoga and we learn a lot about it. Yoga is all about deep breathing and finding a balance between your body and mind. Take deep breathes during your asanas (postures) and relax.

1. 6. Practise and be regular:

It is recommended that you practise yoga in the morning. A good regular yoga session worth 30 minutes a day is better and affective than occasional long sessions.

1. 7. Warm up before you begin:

Warming up before your yoga session is recommended. This begins the gradual process of increase bloody circulation and blood flow to the muscles. Stretching loosen up the muscles thus preventing injuries.

1. 8. Take one step at a time:

Yoga is not a competition and there should not be an urge to compare yourself with others. Progress will happen slowly and you will get better at it.

1. 9. Have a positive outlook:

No matter how your first experience went, come back and participate. As you go through the process again, you will get it right and you will experience your body and mind embracing the benefits of yoga.

1. 10. Relax and Rest:

Finish your yoga session with Shavasana (Corpse Pose). Though it looks easy, this asana has been considered as one of the most difficult because the art of relaxation is harder than what it seems. It involves gradually relaxing each part of your body slowly. As you practice more, you will hone the skill of relaxation, an essential element and virtue for mediation and a pure and fulfilling experience of yoga

Yoga kit which will help you get started:

1. Yoga Mat
2. Yoga Strap
3. Yoga Block
4. Yoga Blanket
5. Yoga Hand Towel

Enjoy!

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