| Yoga for Beginners: Need to Know Information! | | | | like meditation, breathing, and chanting in addition to |
| Have you thought about trying yoga? Anxious? Well | | | | asanas. |
| don't worry. A lot of people feel a little intimidated or | | | | If you don't have the resources or desire to start with |
| apprehensive to begin practicing yoga but there is | | | | a class, the best thing to do is get a yoga for |
| really not anything to be afraid of. Here are some tools | | | | beginners DVD for use at home. Yoga books and |
| and tips that will help you start your yoga for beginners | | | | yoga card decks work well for learning more about |
| practice in no time. | | | | technique and specifics of poses, but starting with a |
| What Is It? | | | | yoga for beginners DVD will be easier as it requires |
| In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, Yoga | | | | less effort on your part. There are also many great |
| translates to "union". It refers to the union of body, mind, | | | | yoga for beginners resources online like virtual classes |
| and spirit. The physical poses or postures that a lot of | | | | and step by step guides. |
| people in the west think of when they think of yoga | | | | What Do You Need? |
| are called asanas. These physical postures or asanas | | | | You will need a yoga mat and comfortable clothes |
| are just one part of the eight-limbed system of yoga. | | | | that fit properly and are not too big. That's it! That is all |
| Most of this system deals with spiritual and mental | | | | you really need. In addition, you might want to have a |
| aspects of the self rather than the physical. | | | | couple of blocks, a strap, and a towel or yoga rug |
| What Style to Choose? | | | | depending on what type of class or style you choose, |
| There are many different styles of yoga to choose | | | | but a yoga mat and comfortable clothes are all you |
| from. Gyms and studios usually offer hatha and | | | | really need to begin. |
| vinyasa yoga for beginners classes. The word hatha | | | | Things To Do and Know When Taking Classes:o |
| actually refers to yoga in general, as all yoga styles | | | | Shoes off: You should take off your shoes when |
| are hatha yoga. However, classes referred to as | | | | entering a yoga studio. This helps keep the space |
| hatha are usually slower paced, gentle, and focused on | | | | clean. Yoga is done barefoot, without shoes or socks.o |
| the basics of stretching and breathing in different | | | | Cell phones off: Before entering the facility, power your |
| poses. Vinyasa classes involve more movement and | | | | cell phone off.o Arrive on time: Arrive at least ten |
| are more vigorous. Both of these are okay for | | | | minutes prior to class so that you have time to check |
| beginners. Just remember to find classes labeled as | | | | in, put your things away, talk to the teacher, and set |
| yoga for beginners. | | | | out your mat.o Let the instructor know you are a |
| There are many styles of yoga to choose from and | | | | beginner/new: Talk to the instructor so s/he knows |
| choosing the right style for you will have an impact on | | | | that you are new or a beginner and if you would like |
| whether you stick with it or not. Try different styles | | | | help.o Stay for the whole class: Refrain from leaving in |
| and teachers until you find one that resonates with | | | | the middle of class as it is rude to the teacher and |
| you. Look into the different styles, which include hatha, | | | | disruptive to the class. If you decide you don't like the |
| vinyasa, ashtanga, power, iyengar, kundalini, bikram, hot | | | | class or the teacher it is proper etiquette to stay until |
| yoga, anusara, jivamukti, forrest, kripalu, integral, | | | | the end.o Don't skip savasana: This is the final resting |
| moksha, sivananda, laughter, and others. | | | | pose and is one of the most important and most |
| Where to Start... Home, Gym, or Studio? | | | | enjoyable. A lot of people discover that it is one of |
| Learning from an actual, live teacher can't be beat, so | | | | their favorite poses. |
| taking a yoga for beginners class at a local gym or | | | | Put the above tips and tools to work for you and you'll |
| studio is best. Classes at gyms typically focus more on | | | | be comfortable with your yoga practice in no time! For |
| the physical workout that yoga provides while classes | | | | more information on yoga for beginners, click here. |
| at yoga studios involve more mind, body, spirit aspects | | | | |