Tip #1: Why are you practicing Yoga?
The first step is to find out why you want to practice Yoga. What are your goals? Do you want to practice Yoga daily, weekly or biweekly? Does your schedule allow you a few minutes every day, or can you take a 2-hour class once a week? Are you completely clear about your purpose in doing Yoga? The answers to these questions will help you determine which style of yoga would best serve your goals. There are many styles to choose from and many types of teachers to learn from. Yoga studios and fitness gyms offer a variety of classes to suit your unique needs.
Tip #2: Talk to your doctor or other competent medical professional
This is probably the most important step to take before beginning any Yoga program. As with any exercise program, including Yoga, the advice of a professional is important for your safety. Yoga can be enjoyed by the vast majority of people as long as they are aware of the limits of their capabilities. Many postures may not be appropriate or even dangerous in certain circumstances. A pregnant woman doing an inverted body pose, for example, could be exposing herself to significant risk. Her doctor’s advice cannot be stressed enough depending on her unique condition. If you have a specific condition, check with your doctor if Yoga can make your current condition worse. You may want to discuss the program an organization offers with your doctor and determine your suitability for it. You can also bring a book with the poses and show it to your doctor and discuss if they are appropriate for your condition. A DVD or video would also be good to show your doctor.
Tip #3: The correct Yoga style
Today there are so many styles of Yoga to choose from, and this could be a good thing. Everyone has a different taste and goal for practicing Yoga. Some may want a style that focuses on vigorous physical activities, and others may want to indulge in a style that incorporates a particular philosophy that resonates with them. You can find out about various styles of Yoga, or even try a few, then choose one that you like and feel you can stick with long term. The general idea here is that the style should be pleasing to you so that you can continue to spend your time practicing and reap the benefits of your practice.
Tip #4: Don’t compare yourself to anyone
Yoga is a personal journey, based on your current level and abilities. You don’t have to compare yourself to anyone. Your teacher may be an advanced practitioner and many students would like to be like him or her. They may try to overreach and force themselves into a posture that may be beyond their capacity at the moment. This is not advisable as it can cause serious injury. Regardless of how far back you are comfortably in your pose, you will get the benefit of the pose. Through continuous practice, you can achieve perfection in the posture depending on your physical condition. Always follow the advice of your instructor and the steps involved in the pose. Remember never to imitate other students or your teacher and push yourself beyond your capacity in a pose.
Tip #5: Be patient and persistent
Patience is a great virtue. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the benefits you expected right away. You should keep up your practice and make it a part of your life like a normal routine, just like brushing your teeth. Almost everyone who practices yoga would agree that they enjoyed the benefits after their first day of practice. If you are new to Yoga, you will also enjoy these benefits. However, there are some poses that require a bit more work to get right, and you may not be happy with the results. Don’t worry, you’ll eventually get there. Every time you practice Yoga, you become better and better. Being constant is the key to progress in Yoga. For many people, time is a major factor that prevents them from being consistent. Find a regular schedule and stick to it.
