Yoga is a form of exercise that appeals to practically everyone. Whether you’re doing it to restore calm after work or as an intense session of hot yoga, the nice thing is that there are so many types of yoga that there‘s something for everyone. From yin yoga, which is a rather calm, meditative style, to ashtanga or flow yoga, which takes place in a super-heated room, yoga knows no boundaries. Especially because you decide how much to put in and get out of every lesson. Beginners are often afraid of not doing the exercises and postures properly, but, in yoga, there is no right or wrong, no good or bad. Just show up, put in the effort, switch off your mind, and focus on your own body.
We have been practising yoga for years, sometimes regularly, sometimes with more time between units, and this year we even went to a yoga retreat for the first time. For beginners (but also advanced practitioners), this is also the perfect way to get into the flow, literally. Some Falkensteiner hotels also offer yoga courses, such as Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, and Falkensteiner Balance Resort Stegersbach.
1) Don‘t set your expectations for yourself too high. Yoga is a process and it is not about being better than the person on the next mat; instead, it‘s about focusing on your own body and being mindful of yourself.
2) Find a good studio near you. Especially at the beginning, it is important to have properly trained coaches on hand to correct your postures gently, so that you don‘t hurt yourself.
3) Learn the basics, for example, the sun salutation. It helps you wake up in the morning, doesn‘t take long, warms up your body for the day, and is the perfect base for many postures. We‘ve attached a small sequence of how one might do the sun salutation, but here, too, there are many options, depending on your level.
4) Breathe! In yoga, breathing plays a very important role. And even when you’re away from the exercises: relearn how to breathe deeply with your diaphragm. More advanced individuals practice “ujjayi” breathing with a narrowed glottis, but, in the beginning, it‘s enough if you simply breathe consciously and deeply controlled.
5) Don‘t overstretch. It’s not about getting the deepest stretch, but small, targeted steps that soften and stretch the body step-by-step. Full flexibility isn’t going to happen overnight.
6) Buy yourself a good yoga mat. The right equipment is just as important in yoga as it is in any other sport. Plus new gadgets always make things more fun.
Just give it a try: yoga really is a great form of exercise for everybody. Have fun!
© The Daily Dose – Vicky Heiler & Kathi Hingsammer
