Yoga for Beginners

Yoga For Beginners: An Overview

In Sanskrit, the term yoga means “to unite or yoke.” The practice and teachings of yoga go back 5,000 years; an exploration of humanity’s desire to find harmony and a higher consciousness.

In order to achieve this, innovators developed a practice that expanded the potential of the mind, body and soul through the combination of mediation, breathing and exercise. When people first learn of yoga, they consider it to be a religion. It is not, but through devoted practice, many yogis believe they attain a deeper spiritual connection to whatever faith they follow.

Exercise

Through yoga exercise, the body stays active. Increased circulation eases pain and joints and muscles are maintained, resulting in better health, and to support the physical aspect of the practice, a good diet is also recommended. Many people think of yoga only as a workout, but exercise is really one of three parts of the total yoga practice.

Breathing

With a focus on yoga breathing, yogis believe deep breath is a life force and thus necessary for a clear mind and spirit.

Meditation

During meditation, individuals concentrate on calming the mind for clarity and not so much “going blank.” In fact, many proponents of meditation cite increased awareness, idea generation, better problem-solving ability and less stress as some of the benefits to quieting the mind.

Practicing yoga can be as easy or as challenging as you care to make it. However, even a modest practice has been proven by many health studies to reduce stress, encourage better sleep and increase overall well-being.

What You Need to Get Started

• Clothing for this exercise should be slightly form fitting, as the body will be sideways, upside down and inverted through different poses. There’s no need to invest a lot of money in yoga apparel, but being comfortable is important.

• Many classes provide the basics such as mats and props. Rather than force the body into bad form, use props until you become more comfortable with each pose. Do not compete with others. Each person’s body moves at a different level, but by focusing on technique, you’ll learn the proper form within the range your body will allow.

• Items to consider bringing to class include plenty of water, a towel, socks or slippers (although yoga should be performed in bare feet, some people don’t like to do that or get cold) and maybe a moist towelette.

• Try not to eat one-to-two hours before class, as yoga is best performed on an empty stomach. If you must have a little something, eat half of an energy bar, a piece of fruit or drink a big glass of water.

Yoga Class vs. Yoga at Home

Individuals new to yoga should really learn under the guidance of an instructor. There are some really good yoga DVDs on the market, many of which are very explanatory and careful. However, nothing takes the place of a yoga teacher moving your body into the proper position, assisting you with a prop when you’re struggling or suggesting a modification best suited for your level at the time.

To find yoga classes in your area, contact a local yoga studio, fitness center or college. You can also check online for registered yoga instructors and classes geared toward yoga beginners through sites like:

• Yoga Finder – billed as the largest yoga directory online.
• Yoga Meetups – helps connect people with specific yoga interests locally.

If you’re having trouble finding a class near you or fitting it into your schedule, here are a couple of DVDs that teach yoga for beginners. Note that props might be required for practice:

• A.M. and P.M. Yoga for Beginners One of the best introductions to yoga for beginners. Instructors Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden each lead a 20-minute session that guides novices through common poses.

• Yoga for Beginners A comprehensive beginner's yoga DVD featuring a variety of 20-30 minute routines.

Yoga can be a wonderful addition to anyone’s lifestyle. Start slowly and experience each level to the fullest.