New to Yoga?
Have you been thinking about starting Yoga for ages now? Have the words “I’m not flexible enough for Yoga” ever passed your lips? (If only I had a pound for every time I heard this one) Do you have a old dusty Yoga mat stored away somewhere begging to see the light of day?
I’m writing this post today to hopefully debunk some common assumptions and answer common questions around Yoga and how it IS a practice for every body (intentional spacing).
What is Yoga?
Without going into the entire History of Yoga it is simply a practice which brings balance into the body and the mind. Consisting of a physical practice called asanas, and breathing exercises called pranayama. Yoga will also include meditation, self-enquiry and the study of yoga philsophy. In the Western World we mostly know Yoga for it’s stretching and calming properties, although a good place to start, there is much more that you will uncover throughout your practice.
What are the Benefits of Yoga?
Yoga has lots of Physical, Mental and Spiritual benefits!
Physically it can help create more flexibility and strength in the body. It also helps improve breathing, energy and metabolism. Yoga improves fitness levels, aches and pains, posture. Yoga also improves circulatory and cardiac health. Mentally Yoga can help you feel more balanced, calm and reduce depression and anxiety, deal with stress better through movement, meditation and breathwork. Spiritually you will also benefit as Yoga teaches you to be aware of what is happening inside and outside of your body. Through Yoga you will learn techniques to help you become more present and aware, improving mindfulness.
Some of these benefits can be felt almost immeditaely such as reduction in tension, muscle strengthening and an openess in the body. Other benefits will differ depending on how often you practice and how open to your practice you are. Everyone is different and this may take a few weeks to begin to notice.
What style should I begin with?
There are lots of different styles of Yoga and I suggest trying a few to find out what you prefer. Hatha Yoga is one of the main forms of Yoga and lots of other yoga styles have been developed from Hatha. It’s a great style of Yoga to begin with as it has a great focus on alignment and building strength.
With Hatha you will learn how to move and flow with your breath which can help you prepare for other styles of Yoga inclduing Vinyasa flow and Ashtanga. These are often a stronger more energentic practice and are ideal for those looking for more of a challenge. More relaxing styles of Yoga include Restorative and Yin.
What do I need to bring?
Depending on the studio or gym you are going to class at they may supply yoga equipment for you. If not, you will typically need to come equipped with a Yoga Mat, some water and some comfortable clothing. I would suggest practicing barefoot as it tends to help with grip. That’s it, nothing fancy needed!
Do I need to be flexible?
No! Nobody signs up for a Couch to 5K already knowing how to run a 5K. Increasing your flexibility is one of the lovely benefits you will gain from a Yoga practice. Every body is different and will have tighter or less flexible areas than others. It is completely normal and lots of different approaches can be taken such as the use of props (belts, blocks, the wall) as well as variations of poses to make these easier or harder. Come along and give it a go and you’ll likely surprise yourself!
If you have any other Questions about Yoga you’d like me to answer, please pop them in the comments box below!
