Yoga is a powerful practice that can improve physical strength, sleep, and mood. But beginners should take a few precautions before attempting group classes.
Mountain pose strengthens the feet and ankles, engages the core, and helps elongate the spine. It also helps beginners establish proper alignment and a strong foundation before transitioning to other standing poses, says Monal.
1. Breathing
One of the most important things a beginner can learn is how to properly breathe during yoga. This will keep their muscles relaxed and prevent them from becoming too tense or injured during their practice.
Ujjayi pranayama is an excellent breathing technique for beginners to learn. It involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through it while producing a hum. This helps to open the chest and calm the mind, and it can also improve concentration.
A good way for beginners to get into yoga is by taking a class that has been specifically designed for beginners. This will allow them to work within their limits and build up their confidence over time. It will also help them find an instructor that they connect with and inspires them to attend classes regularly. Moreover, it is recommended for beginners to try different types of yoga in order to find the right one for their body and lifestyle.
2. Postures
Whether you take a Vinyasa, flow, or gentle class, yoga is designed to help strengthen muscles and balance joints. Beginners should look for slower-paced classes and speak to the instructor before beginning a session if they are concerned about their physical ability or have a preexisting condition.
Tree pose
Often used as an introduction to balancing postures, this beginner-friendly pose helps strengthen the core and all the way down the legs. To begin, balance on the front leg and gently lift the back leg. If this is difficult for you, place a block on either side of the body or allow your knees to rest on the mat.
This calming pose requires concentration and is an excellent upper body stretch. It helps to strengthen the back and shoulders while promoting fresh blood flow to the brain. To begin, lower the back hand to a bolster or a folded blanket for support. On an inhale reach the top arm toward the ceiling and gaze up.
3. Meditation
Meditation is a time to calm the mind and focus on the breath. It has been proven through scientific research that profound changes occur in the brain and body when meditating. It puts the body into a parasympathetic state, which helps you relax and feel calm.
There are many types of meditation, but beginners can start with a simple concentration meditation. This involves focusing on one point, such as the breath or a mantra. It can also involve focusing on a single object like a candle flame or the black dot written on a piece of paper, counting beads on a mala, or listening to soothing music.
Yoga has some elements of meditation built right into it through its emphasis on connecting mind, body, and breath. It’s also been shown to help you become more mindful of the present moment, which is a form of meditation in itself. Some people even use a walking meditation to relax and clear their minds.
4. Self-awareness
While you might think of yoga as a physical practice with the super-flexible yogis you see doing headstands on Instagram, it is much more than that. It is a means of connecting with your body and mind to cultivate self-awareness.
The first step in this process is to simply notice how you are right now. Are you sitting slouched over, twisted or tight? Are you breathing well? Do you feel calm or anxious?
Once you can witness each layer, it becomes easier to manage those layers. Practicing yoga with the Five Elements will help you to better navigate life’s ups and downs with clarity, balance, contentment and internal resilience.