How to get started with Yoga

Would you like to get started with yoga and you don’t know how? This post has been written for you! Maybe you have heard about all the benefits that yoga can offer and you are thinking about trying it, but there are common myths about yoga that are pushing you away. You need to know that it is not only for young people or women, you don’t have to be flexible and you won’t have to change your total lifestyle.

Now you are aware of that, we should start!

What is yoga and why should I do it?

Yoga is a practice that improves overall health by using physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is a full exercise that connects the body, breath, and mind. Yoga was originated in India about 5,000 years ago, but today is practiced all over the world.

Scientific studies have shown that yoga can decrease stress, relieves anxiety, reduce chronic pain, improve flexibility, balance, coordination, and concentration, increase strength, lower your blood pressure and heart rate, help you sleep better, and relieves back pain. Yoga may even have an anti-depressant effect that could help decrease symptoms of depression.

In short, yoga helps you improve the quality of life and overall fitness level.

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What type of Yoga should I choose?

There are many types of yoga, so you will have to decide which one suits you. To help you understand this, you have to know that whatever type you choose, the postures are always the same. It will just change the dynamics of the practice. Here you have the most popular styles:

• Hatha Yoga: It is the classic one and a great practice for beginners because is focused on breathing and basic postures.
• Ashtanga: This type offers a more demanding workout. It emphasizes a particular set of poses.
• Vinyasa: It is about moving fluidly through poses rather than holding them.
• Iyengar: This style has a strong focus on alignment. It is a challenge physically and mentally.
• Bikram: This type is practiced in a 40 degrees class while doing a set series of 26 poses. The goal is to warm and stretch the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Restorative Yoga: Restorative is the most therapeutic yoga that involves a few restful poses. If you are looking for relaxation from your yoga class this is the best type for you.
• AcroYoga: AcroYoga combines traditional yoga practice with acrobatics. It is conducted in pairs (so requires confidence) and is perfect if you are seeking to develop flexibility and strength.

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How can I start?

Yoga can be done at home but to learn the poses and breathing techniques correctly is better, if you are a beginner, to start with a class because you will have an experienced instructor to correct your mistakes and be sure you are doing the yoga exercises safely.

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Also, if you have any injuries or health conditions, it will be better to have an instructor to ask and to know what you can or cannot do. You will find classes in yoga studios or gyms. On the other hand, online classes could be a good way to keeping up practice when you have some experience in a real class.

One of the most important things you need to remember when starting a yoga practice is that the key is to create a habit. You will have success if you practice yoga as a routine, so be patient and keep doing it.

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What do I need?

About the equipment you need, we have good news: You just need a mat! And normally in a yoga studio or gym, they give it to you. However, if you are uncomfortable using it you can get yours. Most types of fitness clothes are fine for yoga, so choose clothes you feel comfortable with. Our recommendation is to use a fitting top because if not it will be falling in your face when you bend over.

You do not need special footwear because yoga is done barefoot, but if you want to wear socks you should wear socks with grips on the bottom to avoid slipping. And do not forget a positive attitude and breath deeply!