Did you know?
Yoga practicioners report a host of benefits from doing yoga, include stress relief, increased strength and balance, and greater flexibility – research has also suggested yoga may lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels.
YOGA - THE BASICS
The fundamental elements of yoga are:
1. Yoga Poses
Known also as postures, they refer to a series of movements designed to increase strength, improve flexibility and achieve relaxation. They vary greatly, from lying on the floor while totally relaxed, to more physically demanding postures that stretch your athletic capabilities.
2. Breathing & Relaxation
Controlled breathing is a key component of yoga that aims to help you control your body and relax, in turn removing stressful thoughts from your mind.
Yoga – getting started
Yoga is generally considered safe when practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor. However, there are some situations in which yoga might pose a risk – consult your doctor before you begin yoga.
Although you can learn yoga from videos or books, we recommend beginners start by learning with an instructor. There are a host of yoga studios in most cities, so finding an instructor / class should not be diffcult – when starting out, look for classes that are tailored to beginners.
What style of yoga should I start with?
While other styles are fine, we recommend Hatha Yoga. It is one of the most common styles of yoga, and beginners often like its slower pace and easier movements. However, other styles of yoga are fine too and you may want to try a few different types of yoga until you find what you like best. If you are seeking a more athletically challenging style, Vinyasa is suitable.
Recommended Resources
The only equipment you will need to get started is a yoga mat - it provides grip for your hands and feet so you don’t slip, and also cushioning on a hard floor. Most yoga studios provide yoga mats you can rent for the duration of your class. However, if you want to buy your own, we recommend the yoga mat by Sivan Fitness for beginners, which is available in a number of colors.
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