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5 Tips For Beginner Yogis

I can remember the first time that I stepped into a yoga studio. I felt out of the loop. Everyone was rolling out their mats and immediately pretzeling themselves into impressive “warm-up” stretches. But wait—I couldn’t even touch my toes! Was I wrong for coming to this class? Luckily, I pushed past this surface-level fear and found rather quickly just how much my body (and mind and numerous other areas in my life that were crying for help) loved yoga!

All these years later, on the opposite end of the spectrum as a yoga teacher, I recognize the importance in feeling supported as you begin your yoga journey. This article aims to do precisely that – you will come away feeling informed, supported, and confident about stepping into a new yoga practice.

Here are 5 tips for new yogis beginning a yoga practice:

 
Whether you’re just starting out with your very first yoga class, or have a few classes under your belt, these tips will help you get the most out of your yoga practice. Even if you’ve been doing yoga for a while, these tips are a great refresher – and important reminder – to approach your practice with openness and humility. It’s called a practice for a reason, and we always remain learners throughout our yoga journey.
 

1. View yoga as a learning experience

We’ve all been the new kid on the block, and everyone has been that student in the back row who can’t seem to get their Downward Dog right. That’s ok! That’s part of the learning process. If you’re unsure of how to do a pose, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your instructor — that’s what they’re there for!
 
Looking for guidance on how to practice Down Dog and other key foundational yoga poses in our free yoga tutorial video: Yoga For Beginners – Learn Downward Dog, Plank, and Chaturanga.
 

2. Don’t forget to breathe!

Yoga is a practice of linking mind and body. Breathing is the way that you link the two. Through constant focus on your breath, you will be able to calm your mind. You will gain a heightened sense of body awareness, making your practice safer and more rewarding.
 
So rather than trying to do a perfect Down Dog or get into that crazy arm balance the girl in front of you is doing, focus on your breathing! It will do wonders for your practice and even more importantly, will help you handle challenges off the mat too.

Without breath, there is no yoga.

 

3. Resist the urge to compare

There’s a common saying that “Comparison is the thief of all joy.” There will be students of all levels in class. Diversity is the beauty of the yoga community. Just remember that everyone is on their own unique journey. So what if you can’t do the splits or even touch your toes for that matter?!
 
Your body and your practice will always be unique to you and you alone. Embrace where you are and what you’ve been given. You’re here and that’s enough.
 

4. Keep evolving, learning, and growing

Progress and evolution share the common ingredient of commitment. Ask a lot of questions, conduct your own research and don’t be afraid to try new things — classes, teachers, teachings . . . it’s all part of the process.
 
The more you explore, the more you’ll discover – not just about which discipline of yoga most resonates with you, or which pose you love the most. Along the way, you’ll also learn more about yourself and how you identify with the world around you.
 

5. Establish a routine in your yoga practice

It generally takes a 3-day per week practice to see results. Carve out a set amount of times per week that you are able to attend a class. Can’t attend class? Set your mat up at home, jump on YouTube or check out Your Studio for a broad range of yoga video bundles and maintain the routine. Don’t make excuses. Seriously, just keep going. You’ll see physical and mental results sooner than you think, and it just keeps getting better.
 
 

Keep these things in mind when you step onto the mat. Take your practice one day and one pose at a time. Strength, flexibility, and a calmer mind will come with time. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Here’s to your new yoga practice and a healthier, happier you!! Namaste.

 

Psst!! Brand spankin’ new to yoga? Read this article, Yoga Room Codes of Conduct
 
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This article has been read 3K+ times. Feelin’ the love!

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Ashton August

Ashton is the founder and Content Director of YouAligned.com and YA Classes (we plant a food-producing tree for every class a member completes!). As a motivational author and speaker, distinguished yoga instructor and wellness entrepreneur, she believes that cultivating empowering self-talk and a healthy mindset opens the door to living an abundantly fulfilling life! Ashton lives in sunny Tucson, Arizona with her husband and their two rescue dogs.

ashtonaugust.com

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