Did you know there are more than 300 million Yoga practitioners worldwide? The staggering number is a testament to the fact that Yoga has emerged as one of the most popular fitness practices. From Jennifer Aniston to Robert Downey Jr., even A-list celebrities are loving Yoga as a workout. So herewith the beginner’s guide for a yoga newbie, you can learn from the basics and know various benefits associated with it.
Are you thinking of joining the bandwagon? Yoga has shown tremendous benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. It increases flexibility, improves metabolism, enhances muscle strength, reduces inflammation, relieves stress, improves concentration and so much more. Unlike many other fitness disciplines, Yoga focuses on both physical and mental wellbeing.
Here’s a Beginner’s Guide for a Yoga Newbie
If you’re completely new to the world of Yoga, this post will serve as your orientation. Let’s begin.
Join a class
This might seem like the most obvious advice, but you will be surprised to learn how many people attempt Yoga without any training and injure themselves.
Don’t make this mistake! Hire a Yoga instructor or sign up for a beginner’s Yoga class. Bodytonic Clinic offers great classes in London for beginners. This is the ideal way to start Yoga.
Start slow
If you google Yoga, the most complicated and impressive poses will pop up. However, this doesn’t mean that you immediately have to become an expert by pushing yourself to extremes. Take it easy and slow. By practicing regularly, you will build strength and flexibility to nail the difficult poses as well.
Get a sticky mat
As a beginner, it takes time to find your balance. To stop yourself from toppling over every time you try the Tree pose, get a sticky mat. Some Yoga studios offer Yoga mats, but do you really want to lie on someone else’s sweat?
Maintain realistic expectations
As previously mentioned, Yoga promises several wonderful physical and mental health benefits. But that being said, keep your expectations in check. Attending a couple of Yoga classes won’t immediately get you in the best shape of your life. Like most things in life, it will take continuous effort to enjoy the benefits of Yoga.
Practice it early
Traditionally, Yoga is practiced early in the morning. If you’re not a morning person, now is the time to cultivate this good habit. Doing Yoga first thing in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. It fuels you with energy and a fresh mind.
However, if you absolutely can’t wake up that early, you should still practice it whenever you can.
Don’t fuss about outfits
Just because you’re joining a Yoga class doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a whole workout wardrobe. It’s perfectly fine to wear any clothing that you can comfortably workout in.
Stop comparing
When you go to a class for the first time, try your best to focus on yourself. Some people are naturally flexible, while some are not. No matter which category you fall under, stop comparing yourself with others.
Focus on breathing
Yoga involves relearning and mastering how to breathe the right way. Sounds a bit ridiculous right? But it’s true. So focus on breathing properly in between poses and while holding poses.
Try on an empty stomach
Ideally, Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach or at least a couple of hours after a meal. This enables you to be in tune with your body and practice without any difficulties.
Practice regularly
Just going to one class is not enough to decide that Yoga is not for you. You need to practice it regularly and make it a part of your daily lifestyle.
Ask for help
Don’t feel shy to ask for help or ask questions. It’s your Yoga instructor’s job to teach and assist you. So feel free to clear any doubts.
Yoga is an excellent discipline that’s worth the time and effort. We hope this post helps you ease into this practice.
