5 Things Every Beginner Should Know about Yoga

Posted by Devendra Kumar on November 10th, 2017

While you are too excited to begin your practice and curious to explore how stretching, bending, meditating, breathing the right way can be a solution to so many problems, it is recommended to know some important facts about yoga before you start off. There is no doubt that yoga offers multifarious benefits, but only when it is done in the right way with the right technique.

Here are 5 things every beginner should know about yoga to develop a successful practice. Let us take a gander:

1. Right Clothing and Accessories: Yoga is about releasing and relaxation, so one does not need fancy clothes and accessories. One has to go through different yoga postures, work up their body in complex ways. So, it is essential to wear flexible and comfortable clothes in which the body can move around easily. As you will do backbends, forward bends, seated bends, inversions, stretching exercises, etc., the clothes should be flexible enough to let you bend with ease and fit enough to avoid embarrassing situations. Also, you will need a good quality yoga mat, sipper, towel, etc., during the practice.

1. Do not Give Up: No matter how much desperate and curious you are to learn yoga, you might become hopeless and disappointed after a few classes. The ancient healing art takes time to master. So, one should be patient enough to see the progress and reap the benefits. In the beginning, you may lose hope when you are unable to fit into postures, suffer body ache due to going through a range of motions, or when you are unable to connect with your instructor, etc . But before giving up, try different styles, different studios. Always remember the purpose of commencing your practice. You are doing it for yourself, not for anyone else. So, seek what your heart wants, find, give your best, and be patient. Lose yourself completely in the realm of yoga. Experiment and discover something unique every time you get on the mat.

1. Relaxation is important: In the daily hustle and bustle of life, relaxation seems no less than a luxury. We work more than our efficiency, both mentally and physically. Thus, we require a good amount of rest and relaxation in order to match the pace of life and to perform efficiently. Yoga helps release the accumulated stress and tension and relaxes our mind and body within a few minutes. Also, while performing complex postures, sometimes we feel the need of rest in order to continue the practice. When the session gets too intense and your body asks for a break, relax and rest.

1. Breathing is an Integral Part: Yoga postures and breathing go hand in hand. If you just focus on the postures and not on breathing, you may not get the desired results. So, it is essential to pay heed to both equally every time you get on the mat. Breathing calms your buzzing mind, helps you focus and relax your body and mind. The more you are aware of your breathing, the better you will progress.

1. Listen to Your Body: While it is important to push your body limitations in order to progress, it is equally important to listen to your body too. When your body says no, stop immediately. Yoga is about breaking hesitations, not going through pains. You can not master this art in one go, instead will progress gradually. Forcing your body to fit into postures can be harmful and may lead you to injuries. Focus, listen to your body, your mind, and the instructions to minimize the risks.

So newbies, keep these points in mind while performing on the mat and experience the luxury of immense joy and bliss offered by yoga.