Starting Yoga

I’ve had a lot of people ask about the best way to start yoga so I wanted to write a blog post to hopefully help a few people start what is (in my obviously unbiased opinion) the best thing ever.

My personal journey from non-yogi to yoga obsessed is not a route I would actually advise. After saying continuously I wanted to start yoga I finally decided to throw myself into it, and I mean that in quite a literal sense. Not one to do things by halves I tried to get myself into the complicated and advanced poses I had seen on Instagram, despite having no understanding of my body and little strength or flexibility. Back then I got injured A LOT. My run of accidents became a bit of a joke among me and my friends, but after pulling a muscle on the inside of my leg so badly that my whole leg turned black (absolutely not funny at all) I knew things had to change and take a step back.

The thing is, yoga is not about flexibility or handstands. Sure it is super fun to be able to feel like a gymnast, and it is strangely rewarding to be able to bend backwards and tickle your own toes, but ultimately that is not what yoga is about. I know, I know, that’s easy for you to say I hear you cry. But trust me; it was by taking a step back that I was able to move forward.

So. How to start? For me I think the best thing you can do is attend a class; being guided through flows and learning all about mind-body connection is like nothing else, however I do understand feeling apprehensive about going to a lesson having done no yoga before or struggling to find the money or time to do so. So I have comprised a couple of things to help you get started below:

Warming up

Warm ups can be as simple or as complex as you would like but their aim is to begin to prepare your body for practice. Remember at school when you had to warm up for games? Well it can be kind of like that! Light stretches, revolving the joints… Be as creative or simple as you would like. I often like to start in child’s pose really reaching forwards with the finger tips and sitting back into the hips onto the heels. I also think it is really helpful remember to warm up the wrists (chances are you will be about to do lots of downward dogs).

Flows

1. This video of me explaining Surya Namaskar A: Sun Salutations A. This is a great, simple flow often done at the start of classes. Go as fast or as slowly as you would like. Think about moving with your breath and about using every part of your body - all the way from the feet planted firmly on the ground right up to your fingertips. (Apologies for the video quality! Right now that is all my iphone has to offer!)

2. Here is a series of simple Asanas (postures) that are great for beginners; they help with strength and flexibility and are quite simple to add into the sun salutations flow! For each I have posted the simplest option. Hold each for 3-5 breaths and make sure you do each pose on both the right and left side where necessary.

A. Anjaneyasana: Cresent lunge

B. Ardha Hanumanasana: Half split

C. Virabhadrasana II: Warrior 2

D. Utthita Pasrvakonasana: Extended side angle

E. Navasana: Boat pose

F. Paschimottanasana: Seated forward bend (using a strap)

Yoga changed my life. At a time when my brain was whirling far too much it helped me slow down. Moving through flows I found a strength and stillness that I hadn’t before. Yoga makes me so happy and I am so grateful that it is now something I can share with others. I hope this helps and I hope you love it too.