Yoga has become increasingly popular.  In the past decade, it has become one of the fastest-growing wellness practices in America, with over 36 million people practicing yoga regularly.  In this post, we'll look at the benefits of yoga and how to start a yoga practice.

Yoga is unlike any other form of physical activity in that it is rooted in ancient tradition and is both a spiritual and energetic practice. When you first stumble upon yoga you may begin with your breath and some simple movement, but rest assured, what begins as a beginner-friendly and accepting physical practice will blossom into something with rich meaning and depth.

The focus of this blog is to introduce the practice of yoga—everything you need to know to get started! But we can’t begin to unfold the meaning of yoga without mentioning how deeply rooted it is in ancient spirituality. Though ancient—all aspects of yoga, including the spiritual, are very much alive today.

As you continue along your personal yoga journey, do not be surprised if you find the physical teachings of yoga on your mat to seep into every facet of your life in a powerful and transformative way.

 What is Yoga?

Yoga comprises eight limbs, including the yamas (code of ethics), niyamas (codes for personal behavior), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), pratyahara (beginning stages of meditation), dharana (concentration), dhyana (reflection), and samadhi (bliss).

As you begin your yoga practice, it is likely that you will be first introduced to an asana practice. Asana is a combination, or flow, of physical postures, and it is what you generally see when you sign up for yoga class at your local studio.

Examples of the physical yoga practice that you may find at your local studio may be vinyasa, yin, restorative, or hot yoga. While all very different, all of these classes are aimed at strengthening and healing your container—the physical body. After all, a healthy and strong physical body will help you mentally, emotionally, and energetically too!

Most yoga studios will offer a wide variety of classes and even specify beginner-friendly classes versus intermediate and advanced. Whichever class you choose, you will find yourself flowing through many different postures, from twists and hip openers to backbends.

One of the biggest challenges of yoga is quieting your inner critic. It can be intimidating walking into yoga class when you’re new to the practice. A good yoga teacher will always provide modifications for yoga poses, and will provide props to make every pose in the sequence accessible to every student.

As you flow through yoga class, each movement will be combined with an inhale or an exhale. One of the greatest benefits of practicing yoga is how it improves one’s awareness of the breath on and off the mat.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. 

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?

If you ever find yourself struggling to get to class, it always helps to be reminded of the great physical benefits of practicing yoga.

Yoga’s physical and mental benefits include:

• Building muscle strength
• Enhancing flexibility
• Improving balance on and off the mat
• Promoting better breathing
• Supporting heart health
• Helping with treatment for addiction
• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Reducing chronic pain
• Improving sleep
• Enhancing overall wellbeing and quality of life

 Yoga practitioners come to yoga for many different reasons, but the physical practice itself brings healing in many different ways.

How To Get Started With Yoga In The Community

When you are first starting out, it can be helpful to visit a yoga studio in order to have the support of an experienced yoga teacher. A yoga teacher can help you modify poses, demonstrate how to use props when necessary, and can help you learn more about yoga in general! Yoga class is also a great way to connect with other students who are new to yoga. Building a yoga community is a great way to stick to your goals and elevate your experience.

It’s best to try a few classes at different studios to find a place that feels like an authentic fit—somewhere you feel comfortable and safe to grow.

How To Get Started With Yoga At Home

There are also many beginner-friendly classes on YouTube that you can do from the comfort of your own home.  Here are two Yoga videos suitable for beginners.  When practicing at home, just be sure to take it slow and listen to your body.

The first one is a 10-Minute Yoga session for beginners with Adriene.

 This second video is a 20-minute easy yoga session with Juliana.

What Should I Wear?

When it comes to yoga, you can wear just about anything—especially if you’re practicing at home! But it is best to wear something that you can get flexible in. Typically, most students prefer to wear yoga pants or shorts and a yoga top or t-shirt.

However, some students prefer to wear more casual and flowy pants and a sports bra.  Here are some suggestions to help you get started!  Firstly, have a look at our Yoga Leggings Collection.

Patterned Leggings                          High-Waisted Leggings

Crop Tops                                          Unisex T-Shirts

Props to Help You as a Beginner

There are a few props that can assist you as you begin your practice! While these are not required, they can help you modify poses.

Blocks: helpful for placing under your hands in any pose where you can’t reach the floor. They can also be used in bridge pose as you introduce backbending to your practice.

Strap: useful when seated or lying down if you can’t comfortably reach for your toes in a hamstring stretch. You can also use a strap in a pose like gomukhasana to deepen your shoulder opening.

Blanket: especially helpful if you have sensitive knees! For any poses on your knees, like cat cow, you may need this prop to soften the ground beneath you. A blanket can also help you sit upright when placed underneath you in a seated meditation.

Bolster: a supportive prop used in restorative classes, but may also deepen your relaxation experience in savasana. It can also be used underneath you in a seated meditation.

And of course, you’ll need a Yoga Mat!

Now you have everything you need to get started on your own yoga journey! Remember to take it at your own pace, seek out community, and have fun!

*This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.