Thinking about starting yoga today?

You may ask yourself a question: How should I prepare for yoga?

 I had gone through this phrase as well, everyone does actually. But after researching hundreds of websites, I’ve gathered the most important things to keep in mind and I will share them with you. Sit tight!

Purpose

 First, you had to figure out your reason for doing it. Did you want to be more flexible, feel less stressed, or get stronger? Most of the time it is about staying fit from inside and feeling well. Having a relaxed, balanced and healthy life is very important for everyone. Once you had an idea—maybe just getting some balance and relaxation—you could figure out your approach.

1. Setting Time

Let’s assume that you figure out your purpose, maybe you’ve done this before coming here. Now you need to set a time to start practicing yoga. What times should it be? Many people think that practicing yoga will kill time, so they never start. But it’s the other way around. Ganga White, a famous explorer and student of yoga, says:

                                                “In truth, yoga doesn’t take time – it gives time.”

Now, if you are someone who does a 9-to-5 job, it is best to practice yoga in the early morning, before breakfast. It will make you feel stronger and more energetic. If you are a woman and a housewife, you can set the time according to your convenience.

2. Resources 

“Before you start practicing, you should collect enough resources so that you don’t hurt yourself while doing a peaceful act! You should know which poses to practice according to your level. You don’t want to tear any muscles or hamstrings while doing an activity that is meant to bring you peace, right? So, it’s better to be well prepared.

You can find great, well-researched resources HERE. Besides, you can also follow some good YouTube channels.

3. What to use

If you are determined to take practicing yoga seriously and will not stop after a few days, you should buy a yoga mat and some comfortable clothing. Now, you may be wondering, is it necessary to have a mat and comfy outfit?

Let’s understand the use of a mat and comfy clothes in detail.

4. Meals

Here’s a more concise version:

Make sure your stomach is empty before practicing yoga, as this enhances flexibility and comfort. A full stomach can cause discomfort, bloating, or nausea during poses that compress the abdomen. When your stomach is empty, your body can focus on the movements, allowing for better stretching and deeper poses. If you are planning to practice yoga early in the morning, then it is best for your to practice before breakfast. Ideally, wait 2-3 hours after eating before practicing yoga. If you need a quick energy boost, a light snack like fruit or nuts can be eaten about 30 minutes beforehand. 

5. Take Bath

Taking a bath can not only loosen up your muscles, but also help you reduce stress upfront. Also, if you are willing to practice yoga in the early morning, taking a bath with cool or tepid water can make your sleepiness go away, as well as open the skin pores.

5. Finding poses

Now then, it looks like you’ve sorted out every preparatory step, right? What is the next step? This is when the pose selection comes in. You have to choose a beginner-friendly and easy pose first. You cannot just start practicing hard poses right away and risk hurting yourself. As the quote goes:

                        “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.”
                                                                                                                                                                — Jigar Gor

Another person says:

                                  “Yoga is not just a workout, it’s a work-in. It’s about the journey of the self,

                                                                           to the self, through the self.”
                                                                                                                               — Unknown

➡️ Here you can find beginner-friendly yoga poses

You may wonder:

➡️ What Is Somatic Yoga? 
➡️ Iyengar Yoga: The Perfect Practice for Physical Health, Flexibility, and Mindfulness
➡️ How to avoid injury while doing yoga?
➡️ Can I practice yoga if I’m pregnant?
➡️ What to eat before and after yoga?
Click on the links above to read articles which have answers to your questions.