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 fortnightly? 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 when doing Yoga? The answers to these questions will help you determine which style of yoga would best meet 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 fit your unique needs.
Tip #2: Talk to your doctor or other competent medical professional
This is probably the most important step you need to take before beginning any Yoga program. As with any exercise program, including Yoga, professional advice 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 abilities. Many postures may not be suitable or even dangerous in certain circumstances. A pregnant woman doing an inverted body pose, for example, could be putting herself at significant risk. Her doctor’s advice cannot be stressed enough depending on her unique condition. If you have a specific condition, find out from your doctor if Yoga can worsen your current condition. 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
Nowadays there are so many styles of Yoga to choose from, and this could be a good thing. Everyone has a different taste and goal to practice Yoga. Some may want a style that focuses on intense physical activity, and others may want to indulge in a style that incorporates a particular philosophy that resonates with them. You can educate yourself on various styles of Yoga, or even try a few, then choose one that you like and feel you can stick with in the long run. The general idea here is that the style should be enjoyable for you so that you can continue to spend your time practicing and reaping 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 overstretch themselves and force themselves into a posture that may be beyond their ability at the moment. This is not recommended as it can cause serious injury. Regardless of how far you are comfortably in your stance, you will get the benefit of the stance. Through continuous practice, you can achieve perfection in posture depending on your physical condition. Always follow your instructor’s advice and the steps involved in the pose. Remember to never imitate other students or your teacher and force yourself beyond your ability 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 maintain your practice and make it a part of your life as a normal routine, 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 little more work to get right, and you may not be satisfied with the results. Don’t worry, you’ll get there in time. Every time you practice Yoga, you become better and better. Being consistent 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.
