How to Get into a Yoga Routine

Getting into a regular yoga routine doesn't have to be difficult. You don't even need to invest in classes at a yoga studio if you are too busy. The important thing is to make yoga practice manageable and easy to do each day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Planning time
• Instructional video or class
• Yoga mat

1. 
    

   Sit down and analyze your schedule. When would be the best time to fit in yoga practice? It could be after work, first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or after class. Then write it in your schedule.

2. Decide how you will direct your practice. Are you going to find free yoga online? If so, click on the article link "How to Practice Yoga for Free" below. Or do you want to go to a class? Maybe you will rent a yoga video from a library? Perhaps you will have a self directed practice?

3. 
    

   Gather whatever yoga materials you need. Do you need instructional videos? Free podcasts? How about a yoga mat or clothes? This advanced planning will allow you to have a smooth transition to daily practice.

4. Pick a day when you will start your yoga routine. Tell a bunch of people that you are getting into a yoga practice and ask them to follow up with you. This is important! You will be more motivated to accomplish your goal if you know people will ask you about it. You can use facebook or twitter to announce your goal.

5. 
    

   When you are first getting started, do not feel like you need to practice for an hour each day. In fact, please don't. It is difficult to make that large of a time commitment up front and follow through with it. Start with 10-20 minutes each day. You can always add more time.

6. 
    

   Keep your yoga mat, yoga video, and yoga clothes in an easy to reach place. Put your supplies for your workout in the same place everyday so you minimize the amount of prep work before you begin.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get discouraged if you are unable to do the poses as well as the instructor. Remember that they are professionals. What's important is that you consistently extend yourself during each yoga practice.
• Look forward to your personal yoga practice! What's great about yoga is that it energizes you and is not too vigorous. Anybody can do yoga.
• Integrate new poses when you start to get bored with your routine.
• Stop a pose if it begins to hurt.

Resources

• Marilyn Brodeur
• How to Practice Yoga for Free

[gisellebe]

on 8/10/2009 Great ideas and photos. I practiced yoga a few years ago, but stopped because I got too busy. This article inspires me to start up again!

[edieness]

on 7/16/2009 Great tips on How to Get into a Yoga Routine. 5* and REC

[sonni57]

on 7/15/2009 I used to do yoga ages ago it works, now I weight train it seems to better suit me. Thanks for the good yoga routine.

[Mitestarossa]

on 7/15/2009 Yoga is so great for your mind, body and soul.