Yoga tips for beginners

Beginners often get intimidated by the feats of flexibility performed by advanced yoginis. But remember, everyone started in child’s pose once. Try out top yoga tips for beginners to look like a pro on the mat.
Here are a few tips to help if you are just getting started.

Start with a beginner class no matter how flexible you are

If you’re fit and flexible, it may be tempting to bypass the beginner classes and go straight to the advanced asanas. But in yoga, form is everything. Even advanced yogis are advised to keep a beginner’s mind. Be mindful about the correct form for each asana and discover how your body feels when you do it right.

Get started with the right gear

While you don’t have to splurge on a closetful of yoga pants and props, it helps to start with a couple of form-fitting outfits that work well in class. Although you might usually prefer baggier tops and bottoms, you’ll find them bunched up around your head in downward dog, so opt for slimline pieces instead.

Baggy tops and bottoms may feel uncomfortable while performing inverted and open-legged poses. You will also need a yoga mat to ensure that your hands and feet do not slip during practice.

Stick with the classes

Many beginners make the mistake of giving up after a few classes thinking that they just do not have the suppleness required for yoga. Practitioners recommend that you stick with at least 10-15 classes. Aim for slow but steady improvements.

Maintain a practice journal

Yoga is a lifelong gift which keeps on giving. Each class reveals insights into your body, life, and the way you see yourself. Maintain a journal to record your thoughts and observations. Draw stick figures of the postures that you are learning and highlight it with arrows and short notes. A few months down the line, this journal will serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come.

Focus on your breath

Use your ujjayi breath while practising. This means that you breathe through your nose with the throat slightly constricted, so that the breath is an audible whisper. Breathe deep into your belly. Ujjayi breath will help you concentrate and move seamlessly from one posture to another. Try and match the breaths of others in class for a great collective experience.