A Beginner's Guide to Yoga: How do I start?

You have decided to start yoga because you have heard all about the amazing benefits of a yoga practice, but aren’t sure how or where to start? Well don’t you worry, I am here to help!

The first thing to do, is check out your local yoga teachers. Where are they teaching and what classes are they offering? Google, Facebook or Yoga Nearby are great places to find yoga teachers.

Once you’ve decided upon what class to try, check to see whether or not you need a yoga mat. There are a plethora of yoga mats available and for your first few classes, something inexpensive and simple will be sufficient.

During a yoga class you can wear whatever you like, but comfort is key. Wear something you can move around in but also covers the parts of you that you don’t want people to see if for example, you are folding forward. Shoes are always off during a yoga class and socks should be optional (depending on the teacher). However, you do get a better grip if you are barefoot so if you don’t want to show off your feet, buy some socks with grip on the soles.

There are many styles of yoga and each teacher brings their own unique quality to the practice. I recommend trying out a few teachers and styles and then seeing what works for you. There is every style of yoga out there: from the dynamic, workout-based classes (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Power) to the extremely traditional classes which follow lineages that date back thousands of years (Tantric Hatha).

Never judge a stand-alone class as everything yoga has to offer. If you don’t connect with a teacher or style, find another class. But bear in mind that what you need and what you enjoy may be 2 different things. If you are an active, dynamic person then an intense class may not be best for you even if that’s what you are naturally drawn to, and if you are a steady, grounded individual, a more dynamic practice may be what you need.

Once you’ve decided on a class… stick to it. For at least 10 weeks of 1 class minimum per week, more if possible. To truly enjoy the benefits of a yoga practice, it takes time. There is no quick fix. Yoga is a life-long practice, there is no ‘completing’ yoga. At the start, it will take getting used to: the physical postures, breath-work and meditation may all be new to you. To go deep in to your practice, to the true essence of yoga, you will need patience, consistency and curiosity. Dedicate at least 10 weeks to your practice and you will start to notice how you feel better in your body, you will become more mentally stable and find it easier to see the joy in everyday life. Once you start looking forward to your yoga practice, or you miss it if you skip a practice, you will know that yoga is contributing to your life in a positive way. Once this happens, yoga will be a non-negotiable part of your life.

So, how about joining our community? We are ready when you are…