How to Begin Practicing Yoga

Yoga offers many physical benefits. It increases flexibility, digestion and breathing as well as overall cardiovascular health. Just like any workout, you need to cater it to your physical ability and experience. Consider the following when beginning your new yoga routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider any injuries. If you have any injuries that may interfere with a yoga workout, research the positions before trying them. Different yoga positions stress different body parts.

2. Work with a spot. Begin your yoga routine with a physically able person. This person needs to be able to help you in the event you overextend yourself.

3. Educate yourself. Yoga books and instructional videos and DVDs teach the different yoga moves. Look for literature that offers alternatives for those who are not able or not interested in performing the complete poses.

4. Learn from a master. Taking a yoga class or private lessons, if possible. This allows you to ask questions, which helps you get the most out of your yoga experience.

5. Practice the poses. Practicing multiple times a week trains your body.

6. Pay attention to your body. Soreness in your muscles is common. This is due to the muscles not yet being adept at moving in specific ways. However, this does not mean you should ignore any pain you feel. Consulting a doctor or person experienced in yoga helps you determine what is an acceptable pain threshold.

Tips & Warnings

• If pain develops during a yoga routine, stop and rest. Preventing serious injury is very important when engaging in any sort of exercise.
• Classes, books and tapes are all labeled by ability level. Even if you are physically fit, start at the beginners level. Each yoga routine can be catered to different abilities, but advanced programs do not cater to beginners.
• Wear something tight-fitting and comfortable. Loose shirts or pants may fall up during the course of your routine.
• Yoga mats or folded blankets reduce discomfort during yoga poses.

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[flameazallea953]

on 10/23/2009 try to read the benefits of yoga sure you'll want to try it too^-^

[kcooksey]

on 8/29/2007 Yoga is a waste of time.