yoga for beginners

Yoga is perhaps the most beneficial physical exercise routine if one may call it (though it is much much more). It can completely change a person – in externally as well internally. But it is not so easy to practice it. Many people are drawn to it but get frustrated in first week itself and leave it for even. Poor chaps! Only if they had gone to it a in the right way. The reason for this debacle lies with their approach not with Yoga. Yoga is union – union of body and mind. To achieve this one must be mentally prepared and should have a minimum amount of will power to overcome the initial glitches

Some tips for yoga beginners

.Let us face it; the first few weeks are going to be tough and crucial too. If you had a sedentary lifestyle more so, if you have been alcoholic, chain smoker, a late riser, then better gear up for difficult times. But hold on, as you sink into yoga and it takes care of your system you would be much happier and healthier then you ever were. You would be more focused, positive and above all stress free. All you have to do is to be is to be regular and punctual to your yoga class and follow the instructions yoga teacher gives you. Don’t ignore any of his instruction, no matter how trivial that might look. Needless to say your choice of instructor and yoga studio must be good.

Another very important aspect of yoga especially for beginners is to choose from a wide variety of yoga variants. Essentially yoga is one but various masters have tailored it to suit different needs and different sets of people. Some are more tuned up to provide a wholesome life while others concentrate on curing ailments. Some are more advanced courses which can only be done after a continuous training for at least two to three years. Among the most popular Bikram yoga, Iyengar yoga and Kripalu yoga - Iyengar yoga is most suited for the beginners as it allows for leverages the beginners must get like strap on, cushions and other aides and is rather easy postures for the beginners. Thereafter the beginners can move on to the other ones which can be termed advanced.

Yoga is not like other physical exercises which can be done while you are busy with something else like reading a newspaper on treadmill or watching a match while lifting weights. You should be hundred per cent present while you are doing yoga. Yoga is union of body and mind. If your mind is elsewhere calculating your home loan emi or preparing a presentation for your client you are not in yoga class! It will happen in the beginning and trust me it happens with everyone but once you train your mind – the yoga way you would be more focused, relaxed and more productive

Things you would need for practicing yoga

Though yoga was never intended to be done in urban and closed environments but since some people do not have a choice, it is now accepted that it can be done in a closed studio in controlled atmosphere. However, there are certain things which are a must to perform. First of all get your self decent clothing which is neither too tight nor too loose so that it does not obstruct your movements. The ones that allow air to pass are better. Another thing which is almost mandatory is a yoga mat which soaks jerks and prevents injury from sudden fall or banging of head.

Next of course is strap which the beginners often require to help them bend and fold. One could also buy a few cushions and soft rectangular blocks to support. But it is always a good idea to not become too much dependent upon these supports. Your body has great strength and flexibility. Let it unfold through yoga and these things would look redundant.

A word of caution while doing yoga exercises

I don’t want to scare you away, but the fact remains that if not done properly or under the supervision of a trained teacher, there are always chances of getting hurt. Remember yoga is a physical exercise and often works on delicate muscles and tissues. A stiff body if not conditioned properly can get hurt. A proper warm up and a process of opening up of muscles is required which does not happen overnight. Don’t get disheartened you will reach there albeit gradually.

Check with your doctor and seek for his advice especially if you have a health condition – suffering from an ailment -, or a problem especially of heart and lungs – underwent a surgery in the past. It is not that such people cannot practice yoga but for them certain asanas are prohibited. Let your instructor know your health status before starting yoga.

Best time to practice yoga is morning so try to wake up early for the class and do not eat anything before yoga class at least for two hours.

Another important thing about yoga is that it is not just an exercise routine it is complete overhaul of your life – a step towards holistic living. And mind you it does not happen over night. It takes time to give up smoking, alcohol and so on. So don’t get frustrated and don’t try too hard to achieve anything. It may be counter productive. Just flow with it and gradually you will find a new you.