How wonderful that you're interested in yoga! As a beginner, you naturally have a lot of questions before your first session. What do I need for yoga? How do I find the right style? And what should I keep in mind when doing yoga exercises? Our 10 tips will help you get off to a great start in the world of yoga. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get started.
1. Set your personal goal
Before you get started, you should ask yourself why you actually want to start practicing yoga. It's important not to put pressure on yourself or have excessive expectations, as this can quickly become demotivating. Are you looking for relaxation and inner peace, for example? Do you want to get rid of annoying pain or strengthen your body? Depending on your answer, it will be easier for you to find the right style and the right yoga exercises.
2. Try out different styles
Hatha Yoga , Vinyasa Yoga , or perhaps Kundalini Yoga ? There are many different styles, each with a different focus. It's best to try several styles to find the right one for you.
Are you primarily looking for relaxation? Then Yin Yoga might be right for you. Here, the exercises focus almost exclusively on relaxation. For this style, you'll need many yoga props , such as yoga blocks ,yoga straps, or meditation cushions . These help you truly relax while practicing the asanas and provide a good stretching effect.
Are you more interested in strengthening your muscles through challenging yoga exercises and really working yourself out? Then you could try Power Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga . Both yoga styles are strenuous, so even as a beginner, you should have a good level of basic fitness.
Tip: Videos in online portals give an initial insight into the different styles.
3. The right yoga teacher
Sun Salutation , Trikonasana , or Shavasana ... at first, you'll probably be completely clueless, so you absolutely need guidance from a yoga instructor. They'll also take physical limitations into account, if you have lower back or neck problems, for example. If you have cervical spine problems, headstands are absolutely taboo! Personal contact has the huge advantage that you can ask questions at any time. Unfortunately, that's not the case with video courses. As a beginner, it's best to choose live online courses, which offer you the opportunity to be supervised by an experienced instructor during your yoga exercises.
4. No eating before yoga training
As with exercise, it's best to fast for yoga. Therefore, don't eat anything for at least 1.5 hours before your session. Your body will thank you, as this is the only way your energy can flow optimally and the exercises will be easier. A full stomach not only distracts from concentration, it also interferes with strenuous asanas and can make you feel nauseous. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol beforehand.
5. Be patient with yourself
As the saying goes, no one is born a master. So don't overexert yourself! Enjoy the small improvements. Overdoing it can lead to injuries, which will immediately take away the joy of your newly discovered yoga. Therefore, simple and effective yoga exercises are ideal for beginners. Always pay close attention to your body. You should definitely not feel any pain while learning the asanas. However, it's perfectly fine if you feel a little "tugging" during the exercises. If you're unsure, ask your yoga teacher for advice.
6. Comfortable and loose clothing
In yoga, you need a lot of freedom of movement and the ability to relax. Therefore, you should make sure you wear comfortable and loose clothing. You don't need special yoga clothes, though. The main thing is that your pants and shirts allow for full range of motion. Even during meditation , you shouldn't be hindered by annoying seams or pressure points. If you don't want to practice the asanas barefoot, you should make sure you wear non-slip socks.
7. The right yoga accessories
The beauty of yoga is that, theoretically, all you need is yourself and a quiet space. As a beginner, however, a non-slip yoga mat that provides good support is recommended. If you practice at a yoga studio, some offer yoga mats for rent on-site. This is especially convenient if you want to try it out first without any commitment.
8. Actively perceive your breathing
In yoga, everything is in flow. Even your breath follows this principle. Your yoga instructor will guide you through your first breathing exercises and help you find the right rhythm. Since most people breathe far too shallowly in everyday life, this can feel very strange at first. Deep breathing can suddenly stir up emotions that hit you completely unexpectedly. Here, too, the rule is: give yourself time to learn the new breathing techniques.
9. Let go and relax properly
Learning to let go completely is often a challenge for beginners. Many thoughts swirl around in your head that just won't calm down. It's okay if you can't switch off right away from the first session! That, too, takes practice and time. Relaxation usually sets in after just a few yoga sessions. You'll see that the more you practice, the clearer your mind becomes, and letting go becomes easier for you.
10. Integrate yoga into your daily routine
You'll only experience the positive effects of yoga if you practice regularly. Therefore, it's best to set a specific time for practicing. It doesn't always have to be a long yoga session. Even 15 minutes is enough to do something good for your body and mind. As a beginner, two sessions per week are ideal. The important thing is that you stick to the set times. Humans are creatures of habit, and even if it's difficult at first, after a few sessions, you'll automatically look forward to practicing yoga.
We hope our 10 tips help you and wish you a great start into the world of yoga!
