How To Get Started With Yoga

You basically do not need anything to practice Yoga.  The Most important thing is the motivation, a big heart and a determination.  Some very comfortable clothing and an area where it is very peaceful and quiet in your house will be enough for you to get started.  A balanced diet is also a great way to get things going.  


What to Wear and Where to Practice Yoga


Yoga has many advantages.  One of the advantages of Yoga is that it can be practiced almost anywhere, without special equipment, and by people of all ages.  In looking for a place to practice, make sure that it is quiet, clean and well ventilated.  Using a mat, a blanket, or towel will provide support and added comfort when you do lying or sitting positions.  It's best to wear loose or stretch clothing, such as shorts, sweat pants, or leotards.  Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot, however, socks or soft shoes can be used.  It is also best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach or about one or two hours after a full meal.  Empty your stomach, clean your nostril and throat, and drink a glass of warm water 15 minutes before you start.  You can eat a fruit, energy bar, drink a glass of juice or water an hour before you get started  to avoid getting really hungry during practice.




How Long Should you do Yoga and When


Practicing first thing in the morning is an excellent way to revitalize the mind and body, while practicing Yoga Breathing and Meditation Exercises at night helps induce a deep, restful sleep.  If you begin to feel any discomfort, pain or fatigue stop the exercises.  Relaxing in between difficult exercises is also beneficial.  Yoga sessions should not be long, but can be done daily.  As little as 10 minutes of exercises and 10 minutes of Breathing and Meditation each day can yield benefits.


Yoga Props


As mentioned earlier, you basically do not need anything in order to Practice Yoga.  All you need is the attitude, the desire to expand your self awareness and motivation to improve your life.  But this does not completely eliminate the need for the different Yoga Props.  These props help you achieve the proper alignment, balance and make the position a bit easier.  The use of props also minimizes that strain and supports your muscles and allowing you to save your energy by exerting less effort on a position.  Yoga props help people with Medical Ailments and the Elderly to reach and cross their limitations.  The props provide support, enabling them to do the positions that their ailments or old age prevent them from doing.


Here are some Yoga Props that can get you started:

1. firm mat
2. strap or belt
3. blanket
4. chair with arm rests
5. wooden or form block, or a phone book

Basic Yoga Session

A Basic Yoga Session should not last long.  In the beginning you don't want to over do it.  Relax and take your time.  Practice positions that you are comfortable with and don't rush yourself.  

1. Warm-up Exercises ~ conditions your body for safe transition into practice.  For beginners, you just use the warm-up positions as your entire practice.  Warm-up exercises open the shoulder muscles, the spine, the hips, the lower back, and the legs.
2. Standing Positions ~ for alignment of the feet and the body.  Opens the hips, stretches the legs, and strength to your back and increases your range of movement.  Standing positions facilitates digestion, blood circulation and is good for those who want to lose weight.
3. Sitting Positions ~ sitting positions allows you to infuse with the breath and Prana, and to revitalize from a position by giving you a calm and quiet feeling.  These positions greatly contribute in shaping your buttocks and legs, and in adding vitality and suppleness to the spine.
4. Twists ~ twist exercises releases the tension in your spine, relieves backaches and makes your shoulders more flexible.  It also facilitates in the circulation of blood and nutrients in the body making it necessary for the health of the inter-vertebral discs.
5. Supine and Prone Position ~ these positions releases tension in your abdomen and increase the mobility of your spine.  It restores strength in your back, arms and legs, and releases your hips and groins.
6. Inverted and Balance Positions ~ inverted and balance positions defies gravity and develops coordination, increase stamina and strength, and improves grace, agility and poise.  It also improves your concentration and focus since being quiet is necessary to be able to do these positions.  
7. Back bends ~ back bends are the positions that benefit the adrenal glads and the kidney.  It also releases tension in the front and in your shoulders and pelvic girdle, and improves the flexibility of your spine.
8. Finishing Position ~ these are the cooling-down exercises for Yoga.

Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a great way to get in tune with your body and mind.  It also helps increase stamina and strength, improves grace and agility and poise.  I have learned that we need to concentrate on getting our mind and body in a position to relax and stay strong.  These practices with allow us to get in shape and keep our mind and body healthy.