Regardless of your fitness level, practising yoga is among the best ways to look good, maintain health, and feel terrific. However, knowing where to start can be difficult if you are a novice in the world of yoga. Do not let this intimidate you.

Just read this handy guide, and you will soon reap the benefits of a good yoga routine.

Finding a suitable class

It is best to have a real-life, in-the-flesh teacher when getting started with yoga. However, if that is not an option, a quality online yoga class for beginners can be almost as good. Look for a class that is suited to your particular needs. For instance, look for short class periods if you have little spare time. Be sure to join a class that thoroughly explains how to properly execute each pose to reap the full benefits.

Choose the yoga type best suited to your goals.

There are different types of yoga, each suited to other goals. If you seek relaxation and stress relief, you will want a gentle form of yoga, such as Hatha, chair, or restorative yoga. If you seek cardio and physical fitness, flowing or vinyasa yoga is better. A primary element of vinyasa yoga is the mixing of breath with movement. All forms of yoga increase flexibility and strength.

Dress in loose, comfortable clothes.

You will probably find yourself upside down or with your body bent entirely over, so wearing proper attire will spare you from exposing more than you want and from squirming around due to restrictive garments. According to this website, yoga requires you to stretch in various directions so you should not wear anything that restricts movement or digs in -- this is just as true for your undergarments as it is for the clothing you wear on the outside. Consider tops that will not fall over your head during a shoulder stand, pants made from a breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from the body, and underwear that are flexible and offers antimicrobial properties.

Respect your body and your limitations.

Practice Ahimsa, the art of doing no harm. Avoid doing anything that does not feel safe. Speak with a trusted health professional or your teacher if you have a severe medical condition, are pregnant, or have spine or knee injuries. Inquire about which poses will benefit you and which ones you should avoid. For instance, there are some poses that you should not practice during menstruation, with particular injuries, or during the first trimester of pregnancy, and there are other poses that could be quite beneficial in these circumstances.

Be aware of your breathing.g


Although different yoga instructors may teach different breathing techniques, it is all the same. The actual breathing exercise is important, but what is more important is learning the awareness of breath. Regardless of whether you are inhaling during a relaxing pose or forcefully exhaling through your mouth during a Kundalini yoga session, the link between breath and awareness is among the most helpful facets of yoga for newbies. Just beginning to notice your exhale and inhale can result in enhanced sleep, decreased stress, and awareness of the current moment.

Practice on an empty stomach

Waiting 2 to 3 hours after eating or practising on an empty stomach is ideal. When practising yoga, you are more tuned in to every meticulous feeling of your body. Practising with a full stomach results in uncomfortable feelings. Consuming food before doing yoga can interfere with digestion and cause you to feel heavy. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is recommended to flush out toxins released during your yoga session.

Practice frequently

Short yoga sessions performed frequently produce better results than long sessions performed occasionally. A few carefully selected poses performed in just 15 minutes daily can positively affect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You will benefit more from a regular routine because your body becomes familiar and comfortable with the exercise, gradually increases flexibility, and becomes keenly aware of every sensation.

Adapting to the new routine can be challenging if you have never practised yoga before. However, following the tips above will make it easier to get started. Yoga will bring you peace of mind and improve your mental, physical, and emotional health. Best of all, anyone, even those who are not in the best shape, can practice yoga.