Beginners Yoga
Yoga is a great hobby to start and there are only a few
simple steps you really need to follow to begin benefiting from your new found
interest. Here's a straightforward guide to making sure you get off on the
right footing.
Step 1 - Choose the right form of yoga
A bit of thought beforehand here is essential. There are various different
forms of yoga - some more suitable for beginners than others. Most novices go
for either Hatha Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga. Check to see that what you are taking
on is in-line with your level of fitness and your personality. If you fall in
love with yoga, you can always 'upgrade' later to a more complex and demanding
yoga discipline.
Step 2 - Sign up with a yoga class
Unless you are in the fortunate position of being able to afford a personal
trainer then it is best to begin with a group even if you then continue in
private. Begin at a basic level and allow yourself to be absorbed into yoga.
You can find a yoga class near you by searching on the internet, looking in
the local newspapers or by reading the classified pages of the numerous
fitness and wellness magazines that every bookseller stocks. If you really
can't find a yoga class near you there are a host of teach yourself yoga DVD's
and books but, when it comes down to it, they are no substitute for the help
and attention that an experienced, live yoga instructor can give.
Step 3 - Take yourself along to your first yoga class
You can read
what
yoga accessories you will need by
clicking on this link. Basically it's just yourself plus some baggy clothing -
the rest you will find at your gym or yoga studio.
Step 4 - Be prepared
Students will normally be asked to position their yoga mats in an open grid to
face the front of the room where the teacher's mat and/or an altar will
already be placed. Keep a good space between your mat and that of your
neighbour as you may both end up vying for elbow-room. Unless asked to do
otherwise, you will be expected to either sit relaxing in a cross-legged
position or by limbering up with some stretching exercises.
Step 5 - Enjoy the yoga session!
Once you are settled, the teacher will probably start by chanting an om three times
followed by meditation and breathing exercises. After that there will be a
series of warming-up poses followed by more complex and vigorous ones. If you
struggle with some of these movements, the teacher will advise you to resume
what is called the Child's Pose and to rest for a while. At the end the
teacher will probably chat briefly to each of you and perhaps give you a
little massage while you enjoy the final relaxation period. To finish, you
will probably chant another series of 'oms'. And that is it. Hopefully you
won't feel too bruised and battered later!
What you should and shouldn't do
Yoga is all about relaxation and relieving stress. Consequently there are only
a few relatively easygoing ground rules to be followed, these being:
- Etiquette - make sure you are aware of any particular house rules.
- Food - don't eat a big meal in the few hours leading up tp the session. Try to make sure that your stomach is as empty as possible.
- Footwear - don't wear either shoes or socks into the gym or studio.
- Help - don't be afraid of asking the teacher if you need some.
- Learning - if you are not clear about what is being required of you, don't be afraid to observe the other students, particularly the old-hands although bear in mind that the more experienced students may well be trying poses that are too complex for a beginner.
- Remember - the true benefit of yoga is only gained by regular attendance. Having started you need to keep returning and practicing at home what you have learned in the gym.
- Water - don't drink during the session but have a glass or two both before and after.
A few more sessions and you will no longer need your beginners' guide to yoga!