Yoga is an excellent method of increasing flexibility and strength and toning the body. Yoga can be enjoyed by all fitness levels, with opportunities to challenge your body further. In addition to physical benefits of yoga, it is also beneficial for the mind because it can reduce stress levels and create awareness of one’s body. Yoga can be advantageous in many ways, but getting started can be an intimidating process. We have a few simple tips that will help you take the first step into yoga so you can reap the many benefits.

Equipment

One of the biggest advantages to yoga is that very little equipment is required. Most people begin with loose fitting clothing and a yoga mat. While some opt for organic clothing made specifically for yoga, others get along just fine in sweats or shorts and a t-shirt. While yoga is usually practiced barefoot, some prefer non-slip socks or soft shoes to wear during their sessions. As you advance, you may eventually add yoga props like a strap or belt, chair with armrests or a foam block to assist with more complex asanas.

Types of Yoga

There are many different types of yoga and each will offer a variety of benefits. Beginners often look for yoga that focuses on the physical body, such as Iyengar or Ashtanga. Iyengar is a particularly good choice for those dealing with chronic neck or back pain, since the poses can be adjusted to avoid injury to those areas. Others prefer mental types of yoga like Mantra, Bhakti or Raja yoga. These yogas will unite the mind, body and spirit, but some practitioners are not comfortable with the spiritual component. It may be difficult to know which yoga is best for your needs until you try one or two of them out for yourself – which leads us to the next tip.

Where to Work Out

While some prefer to work out in the privacy of their home, most experienced yoga participants recommend beginners start with a class overseen by a qualified instructor. This ensures that any special concerns, like a chronic health conditions or a previous injury, are properly addressed. It also provides peace of mind in knowing that each asana is learned properly to reduce the risk of injury. Once you have the hang of the basics, you can try working out at home with an instructional DVD, paying special attention to your form and movement to avoid injury.

A Basic Session

Most yoga sessions will follow a similar pattern; warm up exercise, standing poses, sitting poses, twists, supine poses, balance poses, backbends and finishing poses. Each step in this process provides its own unique benefits, which is why it is generally considered best if a full workout includes at least most of these components. Sessions may last 60-90 minutes, depending on the instructor and the level of experience of the students.

Yoga is an excellent way to get in shape and avoid stress. If you are interested in yoga, it is important to contact an experienced instructor who can get you started on the right foot. These tips can also help ensure you begin yoga with a basic understanding of the experience in store.