Yoga is an exciting way to exercise, no matter your age. However, it can feel scary to get started. With so many moves and different forms of equipment, how do you know where to begin?
There are many ways yoga will positively impact your life, so it’s worth the time and energy. Keep reading to learn more about how to get started with yoga, from joining the best class to establishing healthy yoga habits.
Join A Class
The first thing you should consider is joining a class for beginner yoga. It’s best not to go out too fast when trying a new form of working out to keep your muscles and ligaments in one piece. With a class, you’ll learn how to do everything right and will have an instructor to ensure there are no injuries on the first day.
One study shows many benefits to yoga, from reducing tensions to building bone strength and improving balance. Thus, it’s worth it to be intentional about joining a yoga class. Once you’ve gone through the motions, it’s safe to try it yourself at home. A course offers an excellent environment to learn.
Get A Trainer
If you don’t think you’re up for going to a class, there’s always the option to invest in a trainer. Rather than taking the class with other people, you will have a single person coaching you in the fundamentals of yoga. They will lay the groundwork and correct anything you’re doing wrong to prevent injury.
Stopping yourself from getting hurt should always be the number one when trying a new workout, and a trainer is there to make that goal a reality.
Know the Basics
Next, you must know the basics. From the yoga types you’ll experience to the equipment that is a necessity, there are plenty of foundational items to grasp when getting started with yoga.
Yoga Types
What is hot yoga? What is hatha yoga? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the types of yoga, but they’re very straightforward.
Here are the most common yoga varieties:
- Hatha yoga, offering slower-moving sessions
- Hot yoga, practicing the art in a warm, sweat-inducing room
- Kundalini yoga, using breathing postures and chants to unlock energy
- Iyengar, focusing on proper alignment
- Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and power yoga for more of a physical challenge
Beginners are best starting with a hatha yoga class. If you’re signing up for a course, stay away from the more advanced ashtanga, vinyasa, and power yoga to keep injury at bay. For a more in-depth explanation, check out our full article about the different types of yoga.
Class Settings
There are several standard spots for yoga classes. If you’re pondering this route, it’s helpful to know possible settings.
Yoga classes can occur inside:
- Yoga studios
- Gyms
- Homes
There are endless spots for yoga.
Most complete their yoga classes at a studio, in the gym, or right from their home. Although the home is easiest, you won’t have a teacher to assist in your learning and prevent injury.
Proper Attire
Although there isn’t necessarily a strict requirement for what you should wear in a yoga session, there are valuable guidelines. These will keep you comfortable and prevent anything from appearing that you don’t need to along the way.
Proper wear for a session of yoga includes:
- Comfortable and flexible shorts or pants
- Flowing, yet fitted, shirt
- Yoga-specific tops and bottoms
It’s never a good idea to wear your street clothes to a yoga session. The more comfortable your clothes, the easier it will be to move and the more confident you will feel. Ensure you have the proper dress on your first day.
Poses
Wondering – what is asana? Asana can be beginner yoga poses or advanced positions, but an asana essentially refers to a pose. Each course typically offers a set of standard poses, which the class uses to move through various sequences during instruction.
Options include downward-facing dog and child’s pose, though there are many more. You’ll notice these iconic poses, time and time again, in your class structure. Typically, they are simple enough for anyone to master.
Related: The Best Yoga Poses for Seniors
Breathing
Whether you’re practicing bedtime yoga or something to wake up in the morning, the core of yoga is breathing. It requires tons of focus and practice in taking breaths from the participant, which can be strenuous but worth it.
The focus on breathing means there will be many moments in a yoga session that just involve sitting. The more often you work at it, the better you’ll get.
Equipment
Finally, understand the proper equipment for the best yoga experience. The most critical is an extra-thick mat to support the body and prevent injury. However, there are many other vital tools.
Excellent yoga equipment includes:
- Bolsters
- Blocks
- Blankets
One study reveals that every 11 seconds, someone 65 and older is treated for a fall in the emergency room. While you might not slip far in yoga, an extra thick mat will provide valuable padding just in case.
Land Healthy Yoga Habits
Finally, the best way to get started with yoga is to establish healthy habits to keep your journey going. Try to attend a class faithfully or practice it on your own if you’re certain you won’t hurt yourself. The more you try to get better, the more you’ll improve.
Also, ensure you care for your body and mind with every session. Yoga is one of the best ways to get outside and move around with a group of individuals you love.
Final Thoughts
Yoga is an excellent way to move your body, with one study showing strong evidence that it improves strength and flexibility in the participant. Thus, it’s worth trying it out for yourself. Now that you’re familiar with the yoga types, valuable equipment, and more, it should be simple enough to take a stab at the practice.
Whether you’re looking to establish excellent health habits or want to try something new, yoga is an excellent idea for anyone of any age. Ensure you start with a yoga class or hire an instructor to prevent hurting yourself as you learn the fundamentals.
Think yoga may not be the best physical exercise for you? Tai chi can be another form of physical fitness which is beneficial for seniors. Find out all about this ancient exercise in our article titled What is Tai Chi?
