A Beginners Guide To Yoga

When you're brand new to Yoga, it can seem pretty intimidating and overwhelming at first.

Where do I even start? What poses will work best for what I want to achieve? What even are the benefits of yoga? Here, we explore all the ins and outs of Yoga to help get you started.

So, grab your yoga mat, and let's get into it.

What is Yoga?

Let's start with the basics, what even is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focus on strength, flexibility and beating to improve your physical and mental health. Yoga also encourages relaxation and can reduce stress.

Originating from Indian, yoga is a group of physical, mental and spiritual practices that are aimed at controlling and stilling the mind.

Yoga has said to bring lots a health benefits to your physical and mental health - here we explore 5 health benefits of yoga.

What are the Health Benefits of Yoga?

1. Yoga can improve your mental health, and has been known to reduce anxieties and stress.

2. It builds your strength, flexibility and balance

3. Yoga can promote sleep quality

4. It has been known to improve heart health

5. It also helps to reduce aches and pains

Is Yoga the Right Fit For Me?

Yoga is accessible for everyone!

People of different ages, weights, religions and lifestyle can participate in yoga.

If you have any medical conditions, or have suffered a recent injury - it's important to assess whether yoga is safe for you to take part in. Either consult with you doctor, physician or other relevant health professionals to confirm whether yoga is best suited for you.

Your body will feel intensity in some areas, but it is important to note that you should not feel pain. Make sure you're preforming yoga poses correctly to avoid straining parts of your body.

How Often Should I Do Yoga?

Yoga counts towards your 150 minutes of moderate exercise (suggestion from NHS England and Government Guidelines on Exercise).

It is recommended that 2 sessions a week will help you meet the guidelines on muscle strengthening activity. You'll see a significant difference if you practice yoga 2-3 times a week at around 20-45 minutes each session.

What Will You Need for Yoga?

For yoga, you'll need a sticky yoga mat with option yoga props. You should also perform yoga bare foot and wear clothes that can stretch and do not restrict movement.

Basic Yoga Positions for Beginners

1. Mountain Pose

Two-footed stance serves as a foundation for many other position that requires balance.

2. Child's Pose

This position is considered as a 'reset' pose - it allows you to relax and take a breather.

3. Downward-Facing Dog

Probably one of the most well known yoga positions - it's a great way to stretch your back, shoulder, arms and hamstrings.

4. Cobra Pose

The Cobra pose is a reclining back-bending yoga pose. Ensure your pelvis and legs are firmly rooted to the floor as your lift your chest.

5. Tree

The Tree pose will help you a lot with your balance, simple stand on one foot and hold you hands above your head as demonstrated.

Ensure you're inhaling and exhaling calmly between each pose

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