Yoga for Beginners: Tips for Beginners

The good thing about yoga is that you don’t have to be a sportsman to do the exercises. Indian teaching is not a question of age or fitness, but a question of attitude. Even if the individual positions can (and should) be strenuous, yoga is primarily about combining different meditation techniques with physical exercises – the so-called asanas. To be in tune with yourself. But also to reduce stress, to strengthen the cardiovascular system and to feel fitter. No matter what age. This article explains which yoga exercises are best for beginners, what you need to do them and which styles are suitable for inexperienced users.

Yoga accessories for beginners

1. The mat

When buying a new yoga mat, the material, size and thickness are decisive. There are models made of natural fabrics (e.g. Virgin wool or cork) or Plastic mats – The latter have the advantage that they last longer. Regarding the length, you should consider in advance whether it is important to you that your body has space on the entire mat during the exercises while lying down or whether your legs protrude over the mat. Thicker mats have the advantage that they cushion the body better, thinner mats are better suited for balance exercises.

2. The clothes

For the yoga exercises, you primarily need comfortable clothing that is not too tight, but also not too loose – otherwise it would slip very easily during certain exercises. It is best to choose a comfortable one Yoga pants with cuffs or one leggings in combination with a well-fitting one Cotton top. On the other hand, it is better to avoid sportswear made of synthetic materials, in which you work up a sweat more quickly and easily. On top of that, the clothes are too tight on the body, which can be annoying.

Another tip:You don’t need shoes for the yoga exercises, the best way to do this is still barefoot. And if you get cold feet in winter, you can get special ones Yoga socks wear that are non-slip and provide more support on the mat.

3. The yoga block

Beginners in particular are well advised to have one Yoga block to use. Depending on the exercise, it takes on various functions and can be used for support, for laying down, as a seat or as a weight. Due to the natural material (e.g. cork), the block remains non-slip the entire time, even when you do sweaty asanas. Alternatively, you can get a Yoga strap that can help you stretch and flex. Because beginners in particular are still extremely awkward when they do their first yoga exercises.

4. The atmosphere

For the yoga exercises you have to create a comfortable atmosphere so that you can concentrate on your breathing and your movements in peace. Don’t let that TV still running the radio on the side so as not to be distracted. If you still want to listen to some music to relax, then one is recommended Yoga CD – the songs support your exercises with shallow sounds.

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Yoga exercises for beginners

T. Krishnamacharya, the “father of modern yoga”, could not have put it more aptly: “Anyone can practice yoga who can breathe.” Before you start with the first exercises, you should not eat anything for at least an hour and a half beforehand, since most asanas can hardly be done on a full stomach. The exercises in the following videos from various yoga professionals are particularly suitable for beginners:

The sun salutation

The warrior I

The warrior II

The warrior III

The tree

The looking down dog

The cobra

To start with, it is sufficient if you repeat the exercises for 20 to 45 minutes twice a week. It is best to block two days in your calendar when you take time for yoga – you should always take a break of two to three days between these appointments. Of course, you can repeat the yoga exercises every day, but you should then find a healthy mean. Otherwise, the tight program could cause you to overstretch your muscles quickly.

Yoga styles for beginners

In a fast-paced society like ours, everyday life is determined by stress and hectic pace, which has a direct impact on our health – sleep disorders, restlessness, digestive problems and joint pain are the consequences of the permanent overload of our environment. It is all the more important not to lose the ground and put down roots. This is made possible, for example, with the help of yoga exercises, i.e. a combination of meditation exercises and sport, which should help you to ground yourself. For beginners, these four styles of yoga are best:

1. Hatha Yoga

The term encompasses several types of yoga and is therefore one of the most famous yoga styles of our time. The exercises are mainly characterized by slow movements that are primarily intended to relax the body. For this reason, the asanas (including the downward facing dog) are particularly suitable for beginners.

2. Kundalini Yoga

This style, based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, focuses even more on the mind through breathing and body exercises. The aim is to feel your body more clearly: First the back is warmed up, then a few asanas are done and at the end there is relaxation plus meditation.

3. Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is particularly suitable for relieving tension or internal blockages. The meditative, slow and passive asanas are performed over several minutes (between three to six) either sitting or lying down so that the muscles relax and the breath can flow freely.

4. Ashtanga Yoga

The term “Ashtanga” comes from Sanskrit and means “eight limbs” when translated. This yoga style is very strenuous due to the flowing transitions between the asanas – which follow a strict sequence. Therefore, this style is particularly suitable for disciplined people with a lot of ambition.

More styles suitable for advanced users:

Yoga classes for beginners

If you prefer to attend a class rather than doing the yoga exercises at home, you should choose your teacher carefully. This is important so that you stay motivated and inspired enough to get to know your body better – without feeling pressured. For this reason, you should consider the following points when looking for a suitable yoga school: A qualified yoga teacher has completed appropriate training and guides his students. He or she answers all questions, gives helpful tips and ensures that the exercises are carried out correctly. He or she is personable and encourages his or her students to participate.

Only when you feel understood in the course can you really let go – and internalize the art of Indian teaching. If you do not feel comfortable in your course or if you cannot get in touch with your teacher, you will not really relax. This, in turn, makes you even more tense and possible physical discomfort aggravated. In any case, listen to your gut instinct and choose a yoga class that is tailored to your needs and gives you the feeling of a cozy atmosphere – as if you were at home in your own living room. This is the only way to bring body and mind into harmony.

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