For beginners to yoga, it can be a little intimidating the first time you walk into a yoga studio.  Generally, because you are not really sure what to do, the comforting thing to know is that everyone started off exactly where you are now.  It doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are, tall, short, fat, thin, whatever your circumstances, yoga offers something for everyone.  So relax and get yourself ‘on the mat’.

Who can practice yoga?

The simple answer is that anyone can practice yoga.  Yoga is designed to be a practice which will last a lifetime.  As you feel that you are mastering a beginners yoga pose, you can raise the level of intensity to take it up a level.  Each pose has a number of levels so that you can take it up or raise the bar.  So in effect, we are always beginners.

What are the beginner yoga poses?

Yoga classes are a practice of breath and movement.  For a Vinyasa or flow class you would generally begin with a series of sun salutations (salute to the sun) which aims to warm up the body.  When you are warm, you then move onto a series of poses which are aimed at giving you a point of focus while you bring focus to one part of the body at a time.

What is the benefit of yoga?

Yoga is about breath and movement, but it is also about energetic balance.  For every movement on the right hand side of your body, you will do that same movement on the left to bring the body back into balance.  The same goes for forward bending and back bending equal movements to again restore balance.

 

How can I start yoga as a beginner?

Bringing yoga into your life is an amazing thing to do for yourself.  It truly doesn’t matter where you start.  I started at home with a book, but could equally start with a yoga DVD.  If you would like to tap into the energy of other yogis, then you can start in a studio, Lululemon also offers free community classes.  Try out a couple of styles and studio until you find the right studio for you.

 

When should I start?

Now, today.  No matter what your belief about yourself or your fitness level get yourself ‘on the mat’ today and you may find that it is the best thing you have ever done for yourself.  As it helps you look within, it will bring things into your life that you could only just imagine.

No matter what your level, yoga has something for everyone.  The important thing is to start today and you will feel better for it.  It is an amazing gift to give to yourself and a gift that will bring some positive energy into your life.  Just go do it!

Love Gai