10 Tips for Beginners
It’s normal to feel nervous about trying something new. But sometimes we might be so nervous that we’re afraid to even start!
Having taught yoga to thousands of nervous and skeptical beginners over the past 18 years, I gathered all my best advice in these 10 Tips for Beginners to give you a clear understanding of what yoga is and what to expect, so you can begin your yoga practice with confidence and peace of mind.
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1. Everybody can do yoga.
Yoga is meant for all kinds of bodies. If you want to practice yoga but it seems like it doesn’t suit your body, you just haven’t found the right kind of yoga yet.
2. The ultimate goal of yoga is to quiet the mind.
Yoga poses work on the body and serve as an object of focus for the mind. A focused mind is a quiet mind.
3. Yoga postures should be comfortable.
Remember that the goal of yoga is to quiet your mind. Uncomfortable postures agitate the mind; you don’t need them.
4. Different teachers have different ideas about what constitutes “Beginner” yoga.
If you try a “Beginner” class and it’s not the right fit, try another teacher.
5. Chair Yoga isn’t just for old people.
Chair yoga is great for lots of people. It’s good for people who have trouble balancing and people who can’t stand for long. It’s also a great way to reduce physical challenge and increase mental focus.
6. Chronic stress causes damage to your body and mind.
Yoga can help you minimize the harmful effects of stress. Yoga also trains your nervous system to respond to stress in a healthier way.
7. There’s much more to yoga than just postures.
Yoga is vast and deep. You can continue learning for your entire life.
8. Yoga without mindfulness is just stretching.
The subtle benefits of yoga are achieved by keeping your mind present.
9. Maintain the mindset of a beginner.
The moment you think you know everything, you stop learning.
10. 20 minutes of yoga every day will change your life.
Your body will become strong and flexible. Your mind will become calm and clear.
