By Morgan Rose Elliott
Exercising is one of the sure ways to be healthier and improve your state of mind. However, some exercises require higher levels of fitness, which is why those who are just starting out need to think carefully before signing up for a regular gym membership.
Getting injured, dealing with anxiety or suffering from back pain are all legitimate health concerns that can be easily remedied with yoga. However, some people still lack sufficient knowledge when it comes to this discipline, which is why they often opt for other forms of working out, even though there are so many benefits in doing yoga. For that reason, here are some important tips for all yoga beginners out there.
1. Do yoga in a place that makes you feel comfortable
Before you decide to go to your first yoga class, it’s essential to know that there are different types of yoga, and choosing the right one can seriously determine whether you’ll stick to it or not. For example, Hatha yoga is a slow form of this exercise which makes it suitable for beginners. On the other hand, if you’re into more challenging practice, then maybe Ashtanga yoga is worth checking out. Just make sure to find a place and an instructor that fits your preferences, because there’s no point in going to yoga classes if you’ll feel anxious and unfulfilled afterward.
2. Never compare yourself to others
Going to yoga class and seeing people doing those complicated poses can be quite anxiety-inducing, especially if you struggle with self-confidence. But, yoga is about finding peace with yourself, not about competing with other yogis. Your progress might be slow compared to those who started before you, therefore, it’s essential to trust yourself and do your best. Enjoying the journey is more important than thinking about what you don’t do well. Not all poses are going to be easy, so if you feel stuck, then talking to your instructor is always a good choice.
3. Focus on mindfulness rather than appearances
If you happen to scroll your social media a lot, then you can see a lot of beautiful fit people doing difficult poses and making it look effortlessly cool. But, remember that a lot of these people are fitness enthusiasts and models who do that for a living. Therefore, if you’re inspired to start doing yoga, it’s best to focus on mindfulness rather than appearances. Always keep in mind that yoga practice for beginners tends to be hard, but that it can reward you with so much in return. After some time of continuous work, you’ll become more self-confident, motivated and willing to try even more challenging poses and flows.
4. Aim to get comfortable
The great thing about yoga is that it’s a quite affordable activity that doesn’t require expensive gear. Of course, getting quality equipment such as a cork yoga mat or leggings is important, but you don’t need to spend a lot in order to start practicing. The point of doing yoga is to feel comfortable and relaxed, so there’s no need to look like a social media model. Wearing an old tee and sweatpants can be more than enough, especially if you’re just testing the waters to see whether yoga is the right type of exercise for you. Also, once you start attending yoga classes, it’s essential to follow your own rhythm, so if you feel like you can’t do something, then it’s better to take a break and gain strength for the next pose. You don’t need to impress anybody, because pushing yourself too far puts you at risk of getting injured.
5. If you have previous injuries, make sure to consult your physician
In case you’ve been injured in the past, then it’s essential to talk to your doctor about doing yoga. Some poses require you to rely on your joints, knees, and elbows, so in case you have some doubts or reservations, addressing them to a medical professional can be of great help. Additionally, once you decide to go to your first yoga class, feel free to talk to an instructor beforehand and tell them about your previous injuries. That way, they’ll be ready to help you during more difficult poses which can be great for your self-esteem, as you won’t feel obliged to follow the rest of the group.
Final thoughts
Doing yoga can be beneficial on multiple levels: it can help you strengthen your core, improve your posture and become more mindful. However, make sure to follow your own path, and never compare yourself with others, because yoga is all about self-improvement and persona development, and focusing on that can help you be a healthy, mindful and happy person.
About the Author
Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of three. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the '80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran (although kids prefer Franz Ferdinand, and the husband Blink182) and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger things.
