How To Start Yoga

Stretch, reach, twist, breathe, and now hold for two more deep breaths…. These commands are frequently heard during Yoga sessions, as participants contort their bodies in the name of improved health. How To Start Yoga classes are now commonly found in the lineup of exercise classes at most gyms and fitness centers across the US

You may see Spin Class, Body Pump, Step Aerobics, and then Yoga tossed in the mix.

Though there are still a multitude of studios that are exclusively dedicated to the art of Yoga and some that focus on specific genres of Yoga.

Yoga is a holistic practice dating back to at least the fifth century in India, and brought to prominence, in the west, in the twentieth century. Yoga gained popularity in the 1980s, and since that time, classes can be found in cities and towns of all sizes, across the United States.

For some, Yoga is a spiritual practice.

However, for most it is simply a program of exercise, relaxation, or art. In a typically Yoga studio you may find Buddhists, Christians, overworked CEO’s, overwhelmed mothers, college students, couples, athletes, and anyone else who desires more focus and serenity in their life.

So why should you learn how to start doing Yoga?

How To Start YogaWell people who practice Yoga report feeling less stressed, experiencing improved focus, having higher immunity, acknowledge higher energy levels, and boast deeper sleep, among numerous additional positive qualities.

Athletes enjoyed boast in balance, flexibility, strength, core isolation strength, and the ability to focus on specific muscles.

The word “Yoga” in Sanskrit means listen.

Yoga is about listening to your body and becoming more aware of your muscles. As you stretch, bend, and breathe, you listen to what your body is telling you it needs – where it needs to be stretched, strengthened, and nurtured.

The more you practice Yoga, the more in touch with your body you become – knowing instinctively what muscles need more stretch or what areas feel “off.”

The most popular Yoga found at most fitness centers is Hatha Yoga, which refers to a group of exercises or postures (also called asanas) which are designed to align all parts of the body, from the skin and muscles to the bones and joints.

The goal of the various postures is to open the different channels of the body to allow energy to flow freely. The main channel is the spine; its alignment and energy flow are critical to physical well-being.

What To Wear For Yoga
Since Yoga is practiced in bare feet, there is no requirement for special exercise shoes or socks. Bare feet are best because it’s necessary for the feet to be firmly planted on the sticky Yoga mat, so they are not able to slide out from underneath your body.
If going bare-footed isn’t your preference, there are Yoga socks available with gripping surface on the sole.
You can do Yoga in any type of loose clothing. It’s important that the clothes move and stretch with you and not bind or restrict your movement in any way. Comfortable Yoga pants are important as well.
Equipment For Yoga
Yoga Mat– A Yoga mat is essential. A Yoga mat provides a gentle cushion for your hands and feet and protection from the hard surface of the floor. Yoga mats also have a slightly sticky surface that keeps feet and hands in place and avoids sliding during various poses. Do investigative market research prior to purchasing a mat. There are numerous mats available and in order to get a high quality mat, you may need to spend a bit more. The longevity will be worth it.
Mat Cleaner -A mat cleaner is an excellent compliment to your Yoga gear. If you invest in a high a high quality mat, you do not want to disrupt the surface by cleaning it with household cleaners. These specialized cleaners are made to preserve the integrity of the mat, while keeping your mat disinfected between sessions.
Yoga Strap – A Yoga strap assists with poses that are too difficult at first. For example, a Yoga strap can be used for seated stretches that reach toward the toes. If the flexibility isn’t there, putting the strap around the feet, gives a little extra support when working on that stretch.
Yoga Block– A Yoga block can be used in the same way during standing poses. The block provides the extra boost when your flexibility doesn’t allow you to reach all the way to the floor.
Yoga Towels– Yoga towels are an asset, especially for those participating in “hot Yoga” classes or for any individual prone to sweat. They are highly absorbent and help to keep sweat from dripping of the face or affecting the grip of the hands and feet. It is important to keep that Yoga mat dry. Yoga towels are a benefit in all yoga classes. However, in hot yoga classes, they are actually used in parts of the routine, in order to avoid danger from the moisture. Yoga pillows or bolster sometimes double as a pillow during the meditation (relaxation) portion of the session.
Yoga Bag – Though it is not an absolute “need”, you will find it very advantageous to purchase a yoga mat bag. Many of these are designed specifically to carry yoga equipment, as well as the very cumbersome mats.
Yoga DVDs – If you are a beginner or never tried Yoga you may find it beneficial to practice at home with a beginner Yoga DVD. If you are looking to lose weight as well, there are specific Yoga DVDs for weight loss programs on them.