By Kimaya Singh
What are the ten best tips for yoga beginners? Those of us who teach yoga classes on a regular basis know the wonderful side effects it has on our lives. Those who have never practiced before may have heard of the benefits, but they may not necessarily put a lot of stock into them because they haven’t seen firsthand results. If you’re a beginner, follow a few practical tips to get the most out of your beginning yoga experience. If you’re a teacher, please feel free to pass this list on to your new students.
Get the Right Gear
Yoga doesn’t require a lot of pricey equipment, but it is important to invest in the right gear from the get-go. Get a sticky mat and clothing that clings to your body and doesn’t detract from any of the poses. Consider getting a set of blocks or bolsters and a strap also to help modify some of the trickier poses. Most students get their own mat and carrier for going to classes outside of home. Most studios and health clubs have their own props.
Keep a Journal
You’ll learn poses, terminology, and yogic philosophy quicker if you jot down a few key ideas or new poses in a journal after each practice. Draw stick figures of the poses you learned, write the benefits of each pose or keep a log of important concepts you can apply to the rest of your life. Some people create a glossary of yoga terminology, which can be useful for as long as your practice.
Make Space to Practice
This may be one of the most underrated tips for yoga beginners, but if you plan on practicing in your home, create a refreshing space that is free of clutter and noise. You’ll be more apt to practice at home when an inviting space is waiting for you. Making space may also encourage you to organize and open up the room you choose, which creates healthy energy before, during, and after you practice.
Keep to a Regular Schedule
Decide how often you want to practice yoga and stick to it. Depending on your other commitments, you might only be able to practice once a week. That’s okay. If you feel like you want more from the practice, set a schedule for yoga that you stick to and treat it like any other commitment that you honor on a regular basis. Making an appointment with yourself is just the beginning of the positive events that will unfold as you continue to practice yoga.
Focus on Yourself
If you practice yoga in a class environment with other people, you’ll most likely have the urge to compare yourself to others. Try to avoid these comparisons by focusing on yourself only.
Be Patient
Remember that fluidity will come with time and practice. Don’t push yourself too far too soon. Be patient and you will steadily improve in your practice. This is your journey and all you have to do is stay on the path. Some people quit because they become frustrated with themselves, but you don’t have to learn everything in one day. Just do your best and you will feel the results.
Feel Each Posture
Some postures might seem really easy or like you aren’t doing much of anything. Instead of dismissing the posture, breathe deeply and let it work for you. How do you feel on a mental, emotional, or physical level, while practicing a specific asana?
Practice Breathing
Even when you’re not formally practicing in a yoga training session, practice taking slow deep breaths throughout the day. In fact, adding controlled breathing to your day can be easily practiced at any time of the day. In the worst of times, slow steady breathing will help your mind and body.
Let Your Body Take the Lead
Leave your mind behind and let your body take over as you stretch and breathe your cares away. You will find that your mind is in runaway mode throughout the day. The mind likes to worry, inflate problems, imagine negative outcomes, create conflicts, and compare everything. The ancient sages used to compare the mind to a monkey. Therefore, get in touch with your breath and start noticing how you feel in your hear and soul. Constant mind chatter is common, but your breath can calm the mind,
Dedicate Yourself
Once you make the commitment to practice, it’s important to truly dedicate yourself to the ideas, techniques and lifestyle. If you’re not giving it your all, then you probably won’t get the expected results. You don’t need to become a yoga teacher next week, but set realistic goals as you move forward with your practice and usr all of these tips for yoga beginners.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher certification courses, please visit the following link.
https://aurawellnesscenter.com/store/
Related Resources
by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice
by Rina Jakubowicz.
A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance
by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.
YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
by B.K.S. Iyengar
TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques
By Mark Stephens
Thank you for this tips of yours. I’m a yoga beginner and I will try my best to master these tips step by step. I think yoga is very interesting!!