Learn Yoga - How To Get Started ?

Things To Think About When You Want To Learn Yoga 

If you are one of the many people out there right now that want to learn yoga, then you have to consider a few factors first. The best type of yoga that you can start with if you are just beginning to learn yoga is beginners' yoga, because this type of yoga is where you will learn about the actual exercise itself, as well as all of the different terms and postures that are involved with it.

1.Check with your doctor 

Yoga can bring enormous benefit to one's health and fitness; it can also pose injury and health risks. As a general rule, most yoga classes and videos are designed for generally healthy adults. Your doctor, in addition to assessing whether a yoga program is appropriate for you, can also provide valuable insight as to how to approach your yoga safely.

2. Understand the basic question: What is yoga?

Yoga is a technique that combines properly positioned poses, focus on the breath, and a sense of self-awareness that is often called mindfulness ....all performed well within your own personal comfort zone.

3. Get clarification on the benefits.

Yoga carries many potential benefits, but these benefits will differ based on style of yoga and level of difficulty. For instance, while most forms of yoga will help promote increased flexibility, the more gentle, beginner-oriented styles of yoga won't always bring an intense change of muscle tone, as the poses associated with this benefit are typically more advanced. For this reason, beginners should avoid "power" yoga until they've had sufficient yoga training, to reduce the risk of injury. If you're a newcomer to yoga and are interested in muscle toning, a combination of yoga and light weight training is an effective means of achieving the best of both goals. 

4. Set realistic expectations.

This is certainly notto say that yoga can't help deliver impressive fitness results. But it takes other forms of exercise--such as cardiovascular training--to help round out the fitness benefits of any yoga practice. This is not a "10 days to complete fitness" kind of activity. Part of what makes yoga so beneficial is its power in influencing vast changes in your body and health over time. So, keep your expectations realistic, and give yourself a sufficient time frame--at least 8-12 weeks, with which to assess your progress! 

5. Decide on where you wish to practice.

Do you prefer the privacy and convenience of your home? Your choices would then include yoga videos or an in-home private instructor. Do you like the idea of a supportive group environment in a setting away from home? Your option would then be group classes. Within the group class option lies the choice between yoga studios, fitness centers, gyms, and community centers, all of which have their advantages, unique styles, and disadvantages. 

6. Screen your instructor and/or video carefully.

One person's favorite instructor may be someone else's worst nightmare....personality means a great deal when finding the right match. But your greatest consideration is whether this person can instruct you safely and effectively. In the case of a group class, you can also permission to either sit in and watch a class, or take a sample class, which will give you a much better idea of whether this person is right for you.

7. Be willing to try more than one instructor/style/video if need be.

Certainly, if one class or videotape seems a dud, you should try another. The difference from one teacher to another and from one style to another can literally be astounding. Don't give up after just one trial run. While you may need to accrue several "sample" classes under your belt before the choice for you emerges, it is well worth it! 

8. Refrain from impulse

Buying equipment; research the basic tools, and start with the minimum equipment needed.

You can always add tools as you decide you need them, but start small, and focus more on committing to regular yoga practice. Then you can reward yourself with those cool yoga accessories, and know that you will actually use them! 

9. Give yourself time.

Once you've found the teacher and style that appears a good match, bear in mind that yoga is a long-term activity, one whose benefits won't always be immediately apparent to you. In fact, your first few attempts might feel more awkward and frustrating, due to the fact that yoga is such an unfamiliar activity. Now, if you're feeling pain or discomfort, certainly that's a sign to stop, as your body is telling you that something is wrong. If, however, you're just not sure, or you feel clumsy, inflexible, or confused, stick with it. Give it a good 8-10 weeks before deciding how you feel about it. 

10. Only do that which is comfortable

Yoga, first and foremost, must be approached in accordance to your comfort zone. No pose, technique, or instructor behavior will instill any benefit if you are at all uncomfortable. 

Summary:

If you are interested in the exercise of yoga and you want to learn yoga, then you should know that there are several different things that you should take into consideration first, because although yoga is quite simple once you have gotten the hang of it, it can be rather complex to the beginner.

Learn Yoga - How To Get Started ?

Things To Think About When You Want To Learn Yoga 

If you are one of the many people out there right now that want to learn yoga, then you have to consider a few factors first. The best type of yoga that you can start with if you are just beginning to learn yoga is beginners' yoga, because this type of yoga is where you will learn about the actual exercise itself, as well as all of the different terms and postures that are involved with it.

1. Check with your doctor

Yoga can bring enormous benefit to one's health and fitness; it can also pose injury and health risks. As a general rule, most yoga classes and videos are designed for generally healthy adults. Your doctor, in addition to assessing whether a yoga program is appropriate for you, can also provide valuable insight as to how to approach your yoga safely.

2. Understand the basic question: What is yoga?

Yoga is a technique that combines properly positioned poses, focus on the breath, and a sense of self-awareness that is often called mindfulness ....all performed well within your own personal comfort zone.

3. Get clarification on the benefits.

Yoga carries many potential benefits, but these benefits will differ based on style of yoga and level of difficulty. For instance, while most forms of yoga will help promote increased flexibility, the more gentle, beginner-oriented styles of yoga won't always bring an intense change of muscle tone, as the poses associated with this benefit are typically more advanced. For this reason, beginners should avoid "power" yoga until they've had sufficient yoga training, to reduce the risk of injury. If you're a newcomer to yoga and are interested in muscle toning, a combination of yoga and light weight training is an effective means of achieving the best of both goals. 

4. Set realistic expectations.

This is certainly notto say that yoga can't help deliver impressive fitness results. But it takes other forms of exercise--such as cardiovascular training--to help round out the fitness benefits of any yoga practice. This is not a "10 days to complete fitness" kind of activity. Part of what makes yoga so beneficial is its power in influencing vast changes in your body and health over time. So, keep your expectations realistic, and give yourself a sufficient time frame--at least 8-12 weeks, with which to assess your progress! 

5. Decide on where you wish to practice.

Do you prefer the privacy and convenience of your home? Your choices would then include yoga videos or an in-home private instructor. Do you like the idea of a supportive group environment in a setting away from home? Your option would then be group classes. Within the group class option lies the choice between yoga studios, fitness centers, gyms, and community centers, all of which have their advantages, unique styles, and disadvantages. 

6. Screen your instructor and/or video carefully.

One person's favorite instructor may be someone else's worst nightmare....personality means a great deal when finding the right match. But your greatest consideration is whether this person can instruct you safely and effectively. In the case of a group class, you can also permission to either sit in and watch a class, or take a sample class, which will give you a much better idea of whether this person is right for you. 

7. Be willing to try more than one instructor/style/video if need be.

Certainly, if one class or videotape seems a dud, you should try another. The difference from one teacher to another and from one style to another can literally be astounding. Don't give up after just one trial run. While you may need to accrue several "sample" classes under your belt before the choice for you emerges, it is well worth it! 

8. Refrain from impulse

buying equipment; research the basic tools, and start with the minimum equipment needed.

You can always add tools as you decide you need them, but start small, and focus more on committing to regular yoga practice. Then you can reward yourself with those cool yoga accessories, and know that you will actually use them! 

9. Give yourself time.

Once you've found the teacher and style that appears a good match, bear in mind that yoga is a long-term activity, one whose benefits won't always be immediately apparent to you. In fact, your first few attempts might feel more awkward and frustrating, due to the fact that yoga is such an unfamiliar activity. Now, if you're feeling pain or discomfort, certainly that's a sign to stop, as your body is telling you that something is wrong. If, however, you're just not sure, or you feel clumsy, inflexible, or confused, stick with it. Give it a good 8-10 weeks before deciding how you feel about it. 

10. Only do that which is comfortable

Yoga, first and foremost, must be approached in accordance to your comfort zone. No pose, technique, or instructor behavior will instill any benefit if you are at all uncomfortable. 

Summary:

If you are interested in the exercise of yoga and you want to learn yoga, then you should know that there are several different things that you should take into consideration first, because although yoga is quite simple once you have gotten the hang of it, it can be rather complex to the beginner.