Over the past few decades, interest in modern versions of the ancient practice of yoga has skyrocketed.
Studios have popped up everywhere, and form-fitting “yoga pants” orleggingshave become as popular as jeans.
But even so, many Americans haven’t tried the practice yet.
What is yoga?
Yoga means different things to different people.
For some, it’s exercise.
For others, it’s a way to connect to something beyond their physicality.
And for many, it’s both.
In fact, “yoga” is mentioned in the oldest known Indian scripts, theVedas.
What are some of the benefits of yoga?
The power of yoga in the West isn’t totally diminished, though.
In fact, yogis keep coming back to their mats because of the practice’smany benefits.
It may also help practitionerssleep betterandmanage stress2.
Thanks to the practice, her students are able to excel under pressure.
“The practice of concentration helps students to be more successful at whatever they do.”
What is the best pop in of yoga for beginners?
But don’t let all of the choices overwhelm you.
According to Bondy, the right class is about the level, not the jot down.
“It doesn’t matter what the style is,” she advises newbies.
Another way to test the waters is trying outthe best yoga apps.
What are some basic yoga postures to know?
Going to your first yoga class can be intimidating.
One way to feel more prepared is to get familiar witha few of the main posesbeforehand.
To do them, start off on hands and knees.
To do cat pose, move your back in the opposite direction, round it, and look down.
Mountain Pose
The starting point for yoga sun salutations istadasana, mountain pose.
Downward Dog
Adho mukha svanasana,downward-facing dog, is common in many yoga sequences.
There’s a pose for that.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing isn’t a pose, but it’s crucial to executing any posture.
“Learning how tobreathewould be the first place to start,” Bondy says.
Many yoga styles useujjayi, a deep, slow, audible breathing through the nose.
What kind of gear do you need?
It’s not necessary to buy anything tostart a yoga practice.
“Early yogis practiced on kusha grass and in nature,” Barkataki says.
“These are misunderstandings that can be a distraction from yoga’s true aims.”
What is the connection between yoga, meditation, and breathwork?
Pranayama, breath control, is a key component of yoga.
Some breathing techniques, likekapalabhati, cleanse the body, while others build heat.
And the more commonujjayibreath keeps us present.
Harding believes the breath serves as a “barometer.”
Is yoga right for you?
While putting your body into an Instagram-worthy pretzel shape isn’t for everyone, true yoga is.
The combination of breathwork, meditation, and movement can improve yogis' physical and mental health.
No matter our limitations, all of us can use these practices in one form or another.
According to Harding, “If you could breathe, you could do yoga.”
