A Guide To Yoga For Beginners - How To Get It Right

Anytime you start something new, it can be daunting, especially if there are a lot of choices to be made. This includes things like yoga. Incorporating yoga into your daily life can help relieve stress and anxiety and give you a wealth of other wonderful benefits. But what type of yoga do you choose?

Just like with any other type of practice, there is a multitude of options available to you, and some are more suited to beginners than others.

When it comes to the yoga practice that is best for beginners, there are quite a few options. For those looking for a slower option that gives you all the core fundamentals, Hatha yoga is a great option. On the other hand, if you’re looking to lose weight, something like Bikram yoga could be the ticket.

There are so many different yoga practices that are great for beginners that we thought we would take a look at each of them as well as how to choose the one that’s best for you and some yoga poses that could work well for beginners.

Breaking It Down: Types of Yoga for Beginners

Before you get to the point where you are ready to choose the type of yoga that is good for you as a beginner, you need to understand what each of the options brings to the table. So we thought we would start by breaking the types of yoga for beginners down and giving you the insight into the benefits you will be able to take advantage of by utilizing them.

Hatha

Hatha yoga is all about the basics. These poses are all done through slow movements and being held for longer. This is a great option for those that are starting yoga that maybe have some mobility issues as it is a gentler practice. Ideally, it is best for beginners because it is a slower pace, and it will allow you to perfect the core yoga poses before moving on to something more intensive.

Vinyasa

If you’re someone who already has a pretty active workout routine but are just looking for something to add to that, then this might be a great option for you. Vinyasa Is a very fast-paced yoga that has you moving through poses quicker than the traditional option.

This means that your heart rate will rise, and you will get a much more aerobic workout than some of the other options. This is perfect for beginners that are already runners or have other types of routines like high-impact training worked into their daily routines.

Bikram

Bikram yoga uses two different breathing exercises and 26 poses. The difference between this and other yoga practices is that the room is heated to an excessive heat and humidity levels. This means that it is great for those looking to lose weight while still getting all the benefits of yoga. If you’re someone who likes routine and are a beginner in yoga, this is a great option for you.

Kundalini

Yoga, no matter what the practice, works with both the body and mind. But if you’re also looking to add in a spiritual aspect, Kundalini yoga is a great option for beginners. You utilize the poses mixed with intense breathing while also meditating and chanting as well.

This is a great option for those looking to align their energies and reground themselves because of the spiritual aspect of this yoga practice, it also allows one to become more self-aware and get a full and well-rounded result when it comes to their overall well-being.

Yin

Stress and anxiety are a reality for almost everybody in the world. So if you’re looking for something that’s going to help you balance out those energies and really become more in tune with yourself and the world around you, then this type of yoga is good. Instead of moving with fast-paced movements, the poses utilized in this yoga are held for several minutes.

This allows the person to not only connect with their body on a deeper level, but also with their mind. If you’re someone who is looking for more flexibility and the release of tension and anxiety, this yoga could be a good choice.

Figuring It Out: How to Choose the Right Yoga for You

Of course, the yoga practices for beginners above are just some of the ones that we think can really help make the transition into this meditative and life-changing practice. But how do you choose which one is really the right fit for you? Here are three things we think can help you really hone in on which of the yoga practices you should look to incorporate into your life:

Intent

What are you looking to get from including yoga in your wellness journey? Are you looking to lose weight? Or are you wanting to become more in line with your energies and the energies around you? By understanding what you’re looking to get from the yoga practice, you will be able to make an informed decision.

Be Honest

You also have to really be honest with what you like and don’t like. On top of that, you have to understand your body enough to know your limits as well. So make sure you’re honest with what you want and what you can do at this time.

Test Styles Out

Don’t be afraid to try multiple different styles. If you find a couple that meets your intentions and your needs and still are not sure, go to a class. Try them out for a day and see if it works for you. There’s no harm in experimenting until you find the right fit.

You Can Do It! Yoga Poses for Beginners

Some poses are a little more intricate, and these will come to you eventually. But for beginners, there are a few that are core poses that can be done easily. So here are a few of the yoga poses for beginners we think you all should have a good understanding of perhaps even before you head out to that yoga class.

Easy

So the first pose that we suggest you really get into is the easy pose. This is probably the pose everybody thinks of when they think of meditation. It is designed to help with your back and stomach muscles and allow for stretching of the hips and groin.

You’re going to sit on your floor with your legs out in front of you, then you’re going to cross them at the shin. As you do this, slip each foot under the opposite knee and then rest your hands on them.

Tree

The tree pose is one of the core poses in yoga, and it’s designed to help with balance and stretching muscles of the hip. To execute this pose, you’re going to stand with your feet directly under your hips. Then you’re going to shift the weight onto your right foot.

After this, raise your left leg and have it come up to rest it on the inside of your right calf. Make sure that you never utilize your knee as the prop for your other foot, as this could affect your balance and cause potential injuries.

Reclining Twist

If you’re a beginner looking to really relax your lower body and back, then the relaxed reclining twist is a good pose to utilize. In particular, this stretches out the spine and shoulders and helps work with the lower back muscles when it comes to strengthening. You’re going to start by lying on the floor with your arms outstretched like you’re forming the letter, T.

Once you’re in this position you’re going to bring your knees to your chest still leaving your arms outstretched and then let your knees fall to one side of your body. Once you’re in this position, look over your opposite shoulder and hold the position for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

What yoga is best for beginners? The truth is, the answer to this question really depends on the individual themselves. By asking yourself the three questions we mentioned in this section above, you should be able to narrow down your options.

In the end, it all boils down to what your intent is and what your needs are. However, the honest truth is that no matter which style you choose, you will be on your path to building a brighter and healthier future for yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually.