Yoga

mish3131

Morning everyone. I have never done yoga, but I would like to. I need a little bit of balance in my life along with stress relief. Any suggestions on how to get started?

Thanks!

mish

melsinct

I would suggest starting off with an instructor in a class, a real yogi, not a random fitness instructor at a gym. The difference between just winging it at home and learning from an experienced person is like night and day. Once you learn the basics, home practice is OK. Just don't be intimidated. I do pilates at a studio that also offers yoga and people of all ages and sizes take classes, from the super fit to the obese, from 20 year old girls to 70 year old men (no joke).

abitzan

Got to a yoga studio and try a hatha or beginers class. From there just go do it! :happy:

deadstarsunburn

Instructed class, i agree, is a great way to start so they can help you learn proper form. I used to go take classes at the YMCA and the lady that taught yoga used to travel around America to teach classes and take classes on how to instruct, she was really good. It was more of yogalaties. Which was pilates and yoga combine, but I've taken regular yoga and absolutely love it! =]

Have fun!

rml_16

Take a class! Take a class! Take a class!

YOga is fabulous, but you can actually hurt yourself if you do it wrong and without guidance, it's very difficult to feel your way to proper form. Go to a class and let the instructor know you're knew and he or she will guide you.

The wonderful thing about yoga is anyone can do it. Obviously, a beginner isn't going to get into the full poses but every pose has a modification for those with less-than-stellar balance, flexibility or strength.

Enjoy!

bootsandaj

I started with a DVD-Yoga For Weight Loss. This has three levels of modification which was helpful in the beginning. Also, if you are not feeling confident about being in a class it is more comfortable to do at home. That being said, it is limited and repetitive so you would definitely want to join a class at some point. I still do the DVD, especially if I need to relax or really stretch.

CrazyDaisysMommy

Good for you! I'm a huge fan of yoga. I agree with the above poster about starting with an instructor. I also suggest you try a couple of different styles of yoga. I love Vinyasa, but Bikram kicked my butt. I find Hatha to be more gentle so sometimes when I want to get myself centered I'll take a Hatha class, but I love trying all of them. Check out some places nearby and talk with the instructors first. I've never met a yoga instructor that didn't love to help people reach their personal best! Namaste!

stonea22

Hi, I agree with the others that say work with an instructor. If you live in a city or town with at least two studios, they usually offer first class free with a mat for use or 2 wks for $25. I love vinyasa and ashtanga. Also grouppn always has deals.