Yoga Fitness for Beginners: a Guide

Yoga is an increasingly popular way to get fit due to the fact that it serves not only as a moderately good workout, but because it is relaxing and somewhat spiritual in its nature when done properly. If you are keen on taking up yoga to get yourself toned and fit, you are definitely on the right track.

What Is Yoga?

Before you do yoga, you should learn a little bit about it. Yoga is an exercise that originated in India, as a spiritual practice to encourage mind-body union. It actually has several parts to it, including but not limited to pranayama (breathing techniques), asanas (poses) and dhyana (meditation). In modern day yoga fitness though, more emphasis is placed on the asanas and breathing.

Getting Started

To get started with your yoga exercises, you will first have to pick the type of yoga you want to practice. For beginners, it’s highly recommended to try Hatha or Vinyasa yoga to start, as these types of yoga introduce you to the basic poses and let you move at your own rate.

Next, sign up for yoga classes. While it is possible to learn yoga on your own, you will learn the proper techniques to get into poses if you are taught by a professional. So look for classes that are nearby and that you can easily attend regularly. If you already have a gym membership, be sure to check at the gym first as most gyms offer yoga classes for members.

Before you attend your yoga classes, get yourself some breathable, light clothing to wear. Clothes that are slightly stretchable are definitely a good choice. Also, get to know some of the yoga equipment you may encounter such as yoga mats, belts, wedges and blocks. You don’t have to worry though, because your yoga instructor will teach you how to use them when needed.

Lastly, know what to expect when you attend a yoga class. Some instructors start with chanting or short meditation before beginning the class for everyone to get into the right state of mind. This is usually followed by warm up poses, more intense poses followed by a cool-down stretching session and a relaxation session at the end. During the relaxation session the instructor usually gets the yoga group to chant “om” again, and some instructors may go around giving the members of the session a light massage. During the yoga class, don’t be embarrassed if you can’t do all the poses right; learn at your own pace and you will eventually pose like a pro.

Understand that after your first yoga session you might feel sore, but don’t let this deter you from doing yoga regularly. Your body will learn to adapt. Also, if possible, use yoga as an addition to your cardio and strength training routine, instead of a sole exercise program. This is because yoga is not aggressive enough to be a good cardio exercise or strength training program.

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