If, however, you’re a little apprehensive about embarking on a new routine or feel overwhelmed at the prospect of tying yourself in knots, fear not!
Our quick and easy guide to yoga for beginners will give you the confidence you need to take that first big step.
If you familiarise yourself with the origin of yoga, understand the benefits and get to grips with some simple moves, you’ll be a bonafide yogi in no time!
The Basics
Practiced for thousands of years, yoga is often associated with particular poses and specific stances, but the activity goes far beyond the physical.
Yoga is also used to focus on emotional and spiritual wellbeing and aims to encourage the individual to listen to their body while slowly increasing flexibility and strength.
The Benefits
Yoga has been praised for its innumerable benefits for both the body and mind.
The activity builds muscle strength, improves flexibility, perfects posture, relaxes the system and encourages mental and spiritual wellbeing.
The Beginners Guide
Don’t attempt the impossible when embarking on a new activity because you are bound to end up distressed and disheartened.
Master these four moves before moving on to more complicated poses.
Remember, one step at a time!
1. Mountain Pose
Stand with your chest out, feet together and arms by your side.
Inhale deeply and slowly move your arms skyward before allowing them to rest over your head palms facing each other.
Repeat five times, keep a fixed gaze and enjoy the feeling it delivers.
2. Downward Dog
Begin this move on all fours with hands directly under shoulders.
Slowly walk your hands forward and find your balance by pressing your palms into the mat.
Created an inverted V shape by raising your hips to the ceiling, keeping your knees bent and feet hip-width apart.
Hold this pose for the length of three deep breaths.
3. The Warrior
Begin this move with the Mountain pose.
Inhale as you move your legs a few feet apart and extend both arms in a straight line,
Bend your right knee at a 90 degree angle and face to your right.
Hold this pose for approximately 60 seconds before swapping sides.
4. Bridge Pose
Lie on your mat with your knees bent and allow your feet to press firmly into the floor beneath you.
With your arms by your side, take a deep breath and slowly lift your hips off the floor.
Allow your thighs to become parallel with the floor and hold this pose for approximately 60 seconds.
Remember
If you master these four poses, you have given yourself a great foundation to take the next step and try more complicated poses.
Don’t run before you can walk, so become confident with these moves and allow your body to become accustomed to the stretches before moving on!
