Tip 1: Why do you practice yoga?
The first step is to figure out why you want to practice yoga. what are your goals Do you want to practice yoga daily, weekly or once every two weeks? Does your schedule allow for a few minutes each day, or can you take a two-hour class once a week? Are you very clear about your yoga goal? The answers to these questions will help you determine what 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 meet your unique needs.
Tip #2: Talk to your doctor or other competent health care professional
This is probably the most important step you need to take before starting 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, provided they are aware of their limits. Many positions, many of which are not suitable or even dangerous under certain circumstances. A pregnant woman doing an inverted pose, for example, could put herself at considerable risk. Depending on your unique condition, your doctor's advice cannot be emphasized enough. If you have a specific condition, check with your doctor to see if yoga can make your current condition worse. You may want to discuss the program the organization offers with your doctor to determine if it is right for him. You can also bring a book of positions to show your doctor and discuss whether they are suitable for your condition. A DVD or video would also be good to show the doctor.
Tip #3: The right style of yoga
There are so many styles of yoga to choose from these days, and that might be a good thing. Everyone has different tastes and goals for practicing yoga. Some may want a style that focuses on hard physical activities, and others may want to enjoy a style that incorporates a particular philosophy that resonates with them. You can educate yourself in several styles of yoga, or even try a few, then choose one that you like and feel you can stick with long-term. The whole idea is that you should be comfortable with the style so that you can continue to invest your time in the practice and continue to 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 drag and force themselves into a position that may be beyond their ability at the moment. This is not recommended as it can lead to serious injury. No matter how far you are comfortably in your position, you will gain position advantage. With continued practice, you can achieve perfection in the pose depending on your physical condition. Always follow your instructor's advice and posture steps. Remember to never imitate other students or your teacher and force yourself into a position that is beyond your abilities.
Tip #5: Be patient and persistent
Patience is a great virtue. Don't be discouraged if you don't immediately get the benefits you expected. You need to maintain your practice and make it a part of your life as a regular routine like brushing your teeth. Almost everyone who does yoga would agree that they have enjoyed the benefits after the first day of practice. If you are new to yoga, you will also enjoy these benefits. However, there are some positions that require a little more work to get right and you may not be satisfied with your results. Don't worry, you'll get there in time. Every time you practice yoga, you get better and better. Being consistent is the key to progress in yoga. For many people, time is a big factor that prevents them from being consistent. Find a regular schedule and stick to it.
