New to Yoga? These 6 Tips will be sure to guide you in the right direction...
How long has yoga been on your mind, but don't know where to start?
Does the thought of it excite you, but make you nervous at the same time?
Does the thought of it excite you, but make you nervous at the same time?
Trust me, I completely understand.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by what we see on magazines or even on TV.
We think we have to be loose or flexible to even get started with a yoga practice.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by what we see on magazines or even on TV.
We think we have to be loose or flexible to even get started with a yoga practice.
I’m here to tell you today… That’s just not the case.
Yoga is for EVERYBODY and EVERY BODY!
Plain and simple! It’s really that easy.
You just have to be willing to let go of control, stop listening to your ego and find a style that works for you.
I want to share with you today…
6 Yoga Tips for Beginners:
I hope this will shed some light on what you need to do to get started.
Yoga offers us so many benefits.
It’s a mind, body, and spiritual practice.
It connects us to the breath and grounds us.
It makes us feel light.
And… We learn to not only practice our yoga on the mat, but off as well.
Yoga offers us so many benefits.
It’s a mind, body, and spiritual practice.
It connects us to the breath and grounds us.
It makes us feel light.
And… We learn to not only practice our yoga on the mat, but off as well.
So Let’s Begin…
Tip #1
Where Should I Practice At?
Where Should I Practice At?
Where ever you decide to begin your yoga journey – Be it a gym, DVD, YouTube, online platform or a yoga studio be sure to start with a beginners or entry level class.
There are many types of yoga out there and some are gentler, while others are more vigorous.
By starting with an entry level class this will allow you to understand the names of postures, the transitions from one pose to another, as well as learning to cultivate the yogic breath.
Many studios will offer classes called “All Levels”, but you still want to start your journey in an entry-level class.
People have a big mis-conception that yoga is easy. Or, we are only stretching.
I’m here to tell you, that’s not the case.
We have a lot of components to our practice and that’s what makes it so special.
Tip #2
The Yoga Gear & Props
The Yoga Gear & Props
Don’t get caught up in all the fancy yoga gear and props out of the gate.
Before investing in anything, be sure you like yoga first.
Most studios will have mats you can use or rent for a class.
They also will have blocks and straps to enhance your yoga practice.
Before investing in anything, be sure you like yoga first.
Most studios will have mats you can use or rent for a class.
They also will have blocks and straps to enhance your yoga practice.
Once you’ve explored a few classes and it’s something you’re into then take the plunge and buy some yoga gear.
Mats can range from $10 up to $120. You will have thick mats as well as thin.
I can tell you from experience that an investment in a good mat is a long term investment.
You won’t be replacing a $100 mat the following year.
Mats can range from $10 up to $120. You will have thick mats as well as thin.
I can tell you from experience that an investment in a good mat is a long term investment.
You won’t be replacing a $100 mat the following year.
My favorite yoga mat is Manduka.
This is only my opinion, but I love the thickness, quality, and I feel really supported when I’m practicing. Blocks and straps are cheap and easy to find if you want to add to your home collection. They can be found at any sporting good store, on-line, Target, Marshalls, etc.
This is only my opinion, but I love the thickness, quality, and I feel really supported when I’m practicing. Blocks and straps are cheap and easy to find if you want to add to your home collection. They can be found at any sporting good store, on-line, Target, Marshalls, etc.
Tip #3
Understanding the Class Names
Understanding the Class Names
You might want to do a little research first or just ask questions at the studio, gym, or your online facilitator.
Yoga is very mainstream now, so you have many different styles and classes to choose from.
Yoga is very mainstream now, so you have many different styles and classes to choose from.
You’ll see terms like…
Easy Flow, Gentle Flow, Energetic Flow, Power Yoga, Vinyasa, Beginners, Advanced, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Therapeutic, and so on.
Easy Flow, Gentle Flow, Energetic Flow, Power Yoga, Vinyasa, Beginners, Advanced, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Therapeutic, and so on.
I’m overwhelmed just typing all of that!!
LOL!!!!!
LOL!!!!!
I encourage you to explore, but in the beginning at least for your first few classes stick to Gentle, Easy, Hatha, or Beginner.
Tip #4
Yoga is a Mind, Body, & Spiritual Practice
Yoga is a Mind, Body, & Spiritual Practice
Yoga is all about the breath and allowing yourself to be present.
Present in your mind, body, and soul.
Honoring the time you carved out of your day to come to your mat and explore breath and movement together.
Present in your mind, body, and soul.
Honoring the time you carved out of your day to come to your mat and explore breath and movement together.
We focus on linking breath to movement.
The more you practice, the more awareness you bring to the mind, breath and body.
It might seem simple, but honestly this is why we need yoga.
This is the challenge, but a good challenge.
A healthy challenge.
You’ll eventually start to experience the gifts of yoga on the mat as well as off the mat.
The more you practice, the more awareness you bring to the mind, breath and body.
It might seem simple, but honestly this is why we need yoga.
This is the challenge, but a good challenge.
A healthy challenge.
You’ll eventually start to experience the gifts of yoga on the mat as well as off the mat.
Tip #5
Beginning Your Yoga Class
Beginning Your Yoga Class
Most of the time you’ll start your yoga class off in Child’s Pose.
This is beautiful, sweet and simple posture that allows you to settle in, to quiet the mind, and to get ready for what the body is about to move through.
This is beautiful, sweet and simple posture that allows you to settle in, to quiet the mind, and to get ready for what the body is about to move through.
This is also the posture that’s offered to you anytime during your practice.
To come down to your knees and just take a break. Taking breaks is a good thing.
You reset the breath, get focused again, and then go back into your flow/movement.
You reset the breath, get focused again, and then go back into your flow/movement.
Remember… Don’t practice through ego.
Practice with love and compassion.
Feel everything and force nothing.
Practice with love and compassion.
Feel everything and force nothing.
Tip #6
Enjoy the Process
Enjoy the Process
You might have to take a few classes, try a few places and even a few teachers before you find what and who resonates with you.
Don’t just try it one time and say… “That’s not for me!”
Trust me when I say you will fall in love with yoga.
It might not be right away, but it will happen.
Especially once you start to feel the benefits the practice has to offer you.
It’s so healing.
Progress not perfection.
Practice and all is coming.
Be consistent.
Be inspired.
Progress not perfection.
Practice and all is coming.
Be consistent.
Be inspired.
You’ve got this!
I’m here for you if you have any questions.
I’m here for you if you have any questions.
Breathe well my friends.
Live Free in Recovery
XO,
Sheri Matthews
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