Getting StartedAnyone can do yoga. You'll want to choose your first classes with care. Look for keywords like intro, foundations, gentle, and 101. If you have trouble getting down to the floor and back up, you might look for Chair Yoga or Yoga in the Pool.
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Get started now by following along with this video
Yoga doesn't have to be complicated or fancy to feel awesome. Do this for a few minutes and notice the difference.
1. Inhale, sweep the arms up (from standing unless you want to be seated instead)
2. Exhale, fold forward (allow a gentle yet generous bend in the knees to ease any low back strain)
3. Inhale, half lift (hands to legs as you lift head up and extend spine forward like the shape of an upside down L or a 7)
4. Exhale, fold forward (bend knees if it feels good on your back)
5. Inhale, rise & reach (stand and sweep arms up)
6. Exhale, palms together at the heart
7. Repeat a few times until you feel done
1. Inhale, sweep the arms up (from standing unless you want to be seated instead)
2. Exhale, fold forward (allow a gentle yet generous bend in the knees to ease any low back strain)
3. Inhale, half lift (hands to legs as you lift head up and extend spine forward like the shape of an upside down L or a 7)
4. Exhale, fold forward (bend knees if it feels good on your back)
5. Inhale, rise & reach (stand and sweep arms up)
6. Exhale, palms together at the heart
7. Repeat a few times until you feel done
FAQ
Don't I have to be flexible to start?
No, no. Think in terms of feeling better and moving energy rather than meeting a standard. Your body will appreciate the movement and circulation, and your mind will appreciate the serenity.
What kind of class should I start with?
Look for keywords like intro, foundations, gentle, and 101. Additional options include Chair Yoga and Yoga in the Pool.
What should I wear?
For a gentle practice indoors, knit pants or shorts (with a long enough inseam to provide inner thigh coverage) and a long t-shirt will be fine. The more active the practice, the more you might want your clothing to be close-fitting and have plenty of stretch. Yoga is typically done barefoot, and if you're in a studio, shoes often must be stashed outside the yoga room. Socks can be a slip hazard if the mat isn't textured enough, so take care and use your judgment. (There are grippy socks made specially for yoga.)
What should I bring?
A mat and water bottle. Many studios provide mats you can borrow or rent. Turn your cell phone off or down to silent; even vibrate can be distracting to the class. Discuss with the instructor before class if you won't be able to silence your phone.
Can I wear perfume?
Many people are sensitive to fragrances and chemicals, so perfume is discouraged.
Is yoga a religion or exercise?
Yoga is a philosophy for calming the mind in order to connect with an inner, peaceful stillness. This philosophy includes values such as truthfulness, self-study, moderation, meditation, breath work, etc. It can sometimes have a religious element mixed in depending on the instructor/practitioner. Here in the U.S., many practitioners focus mainly on the physical postures of yoga, finding that to be sufficient. The postures (and breath!) alone are quite effective at releasing stress and tension. When the focus is physical postures + attention to breath, this is known as Hatha yoga.
No, no. Think in terms of feeling better and moving energy rather than meeting a standard. Your body will appreciate the movement and circulation, and your mind will appreciate the serenity.
What kind of class should I start with?
Look for keywords like intro, foundations, gentle, and 101. Additional options include Chair Yoga and Yoga in the Pool.
What should I wear?
For a gentle practice indoors, knit pants or shorts (with a long enough inseam to provide inner thigh coverage) and a long t-shirt will be fine. The more active the practice, the more you might want your clothing to be close-fitting and have plenty of stretch. Yoga is typically done barefoot, and if you're in a studio, shoes often must be stashed outside the yoga room. Socks can be a slip hazard if the mat isn't textured enough, so take care and use your judgment. (There are grippy socks made specially for yoga.)
What should I bring?
A mat and water bottle. Many studios provide mats you can borrow or rent. Turn your cell phone off or down to silent; even vibrate can be distracting to the class. Discuss with the instructor before class if you won't be able to silence your phone.
Can I wear perfume?
Many people are sensitive to fragrances and chemicals, so perfume is discouraged.
Is yoga a religion or exercise?
Yoga is a philosophy for calming the mind in order to connect with an inner, peaceful stillness. This philosophy includes values such as truthfulness, self-study, moderation, meditation, breath work, etc. It can sometimes have a religious element mixed in depending on the instructor/practitioner. Here in the U.S., many practitioners focus mainly on the physical postures of yoga, finding that to be sufficient. The postures (and breath!) alone are quite effective at releasing stress and tension. When the focus is physical postures + attention to breath, this is known as Hatha yoga.