Thinking about starting yoga?

Yoga is an ancient body-mind practice that involves exercises, also known as physical poses. Yoga also requires concentration and deep breathing. Yoga has grown in popularity across the globe because it offers fantastic physical and mental health benefits.

What does yoga mean?

Yoga means integration, wholeness, and unit. As a result, it promotes integrating their body, mind, and spirit and combining individual and universal consciousness. 

Although you might feel a bit intimidated to start yoga, it’s actually a wonderful and fulfilling exercise that can help you have a fuller and happier life. Additionally, you don’t need to be an advanced athlete or strong and flexible to get started. 

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll discuss four elements to consider before you take on your first yoga practice. 

Release Expectations

Before starting yoga, it’s essential to let go of your expectations.

Here are some expectations you should avoid:

  • You’ll learn and execute everything quickly: If you can’t touch your toes or do the Mountain Pose properly yet, don’t let this ruin your first yoga experience. 
  • You need to compare yourself to others: There are many yoga videos on social media, but this doesn’t mean that you should compare yourself to that experienced yoga instructor or the incredibly flexible person next to you on the yoga mat. Just because something looks so easy on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s easy to perfect as a beginner. 
  • You need to purchase high-end yoga clothes: You don’t need to wear those designer yoga pants and sports bra you saw on Instagram. All you need to do is wear activewear to feel confident and comfortable. Additionally, you should opt for clothes that are conducive to stretching. 

Once you let go of these external expectations, you’ll be in the right mindset to truly understand the essence of yoga and the benefits it offers for your mental health. 

Understand the Core of Yoga

Yoga isn’t about showing off your flexibility, strength, and fitness – it’s about breathing, finding your inner strength via meditation, and executing specific yoga poses that make your body feel relaxed and free. 

Additionally, you shouldn’t be too concerned about losing weight or doing complex poses right from the get-go. Yoga is a process and a lifestyle – the physical aspect is just one part of the routine.

Notice Your Breathing

Breathing exercises are the cornerstone of yoga classes. As a result, it’s crucial to know your breath and how you inhale and exhale. 

Additionally, focusing on your breathing can help you improve your sleep patterns, reduce stress, and help you be more present in different environments. 

So even if you’re struggling to perform certain yoga poses, being able to control your breathing can help you have an immensely positive yoga experience. 

Learn Basic Yoga Poses

Once you understand the essence of yoga, it’s time to learn some basic yoga poses.

But there’s no need to rush into complex poses that might lead to an injury. Additionally, you shouldn’t expect to execute every pose perfectly right from the get-go, as we mentioned above. 

Before your first yoga class, you can opt to watch some free yoga videos on Youtube to familiarize yourself with a few basic poses (downward-facing dog, child’s pose, and savasana).

However, it’s also perfectly alright to attend your first class without watching any videos. 

Whether practicing at home or in a yoga studio, ensure you press your hands and feet on the floor. Additionally, you should relax your hips and strengthen your spine. 

Although there is a wide range of yoga tutorials online, a certified yoga teacher is the best way to learn yoga postures safely and effectively. 

Fortunately, at Loggerhead Fitness, we offer yoga classes for beginners and seniors. Additionally, you’ll be starting yoga in a quiet, calm, and clean gym. This way, you’ll have the best yoga experience possible.