Before I start making points, I want everyone reading this to know that I consider myself a beginner yogi myself. I am not a certified teacher or anything. I'm just a 20 year old that taught herself to do yoga at home. These tips are from what I have learned by trial and error. Hope this helps you out!
1. Make a yoga space in your home
Clear a space, it doesn't have to be that big, but just big enough for you and your yoga mat, and then some. Having a space already set up for you, makes it easier to motivate yourself. Having to clear a spot every time to do yoga, is slightly off-putting. Especially when you're first getting into the routine, keep a space just for yoga!
2. Create a regular yoga schedule
This can be challenging at first, especially if you haven't even started yet. Figure out how long it takes for you to go through a comfortable yoga session, then figure out when it fits into your daily/weekly schedule. For me, I made room for it. At first I only did yoga when I could, now it's part of my regular schedule, and it works for me.
3. Keep records of progress
This is more important than you think it is. Whether you take pictures, video, or write about your yoga progress, it's important to keep track. I keep motivated by looking back at my beginner photos and comparing them with updated photos after a lot of hard work. This ensures that you are indeed making progress, and can open up new goals to improve on something. I post my progress pictures and videos to Instagram and Facebook, to motivate other people and hopefully to inspire them as well.
4. Do NOT compare your own practice to someone else's
Yes, some people move faster than others. That doesn't mean that you are not good at yoga. I always like to remind my followers on Instagram not to get angry with themselves for not doing what others are doing. One of the main purposes of the practice, is feeling good, inside and out. Do what feels good to you.
5. Let your body do its progress
This kind of goes along with tip #4, but deserves it's own bullet point. Your body is different from everybody else's, therefore, it'll take its own time developing muscles and flexibility. Start with poses that feel comfortable, yet you still feel your body working. Push yourself toward progress, not toward injury. Do what you feel is right. Yoga isn't all about fancy asanas, it's about listening to your inner self, physically and mentally. Once you realize and practice this, yoga becomes so much more enjoyable to do at your own pace. If you do need help and extra tips to improve form, you can find an amazing yogi with awesome tutorials on youtube right here.
6. Breathe, breathe, breathe!!
I know you think this is a silly tip, but steady breathing is helpful in your practice. It's as simple as that! Just breathe.
7. You ARE cut out for yoga!
If you were questioning whether or not you are "cut out" for yoga, stop that right now. Yoga has something for everyone. It's not competitive, so you don't have to stand on your head, you don't have to do the splits. Heck, you don't even have to touch your toes! If something is uncomfortable for you, modify it. All shapes, sizes, and ages can benefit from this wonderful practice.
If you want to see some examples of yoga poses that I am currently practicing and to check out my progress, visit my Instagram @jonesy.the.yogi
Clear a space, it doesn't have to be that big, but just big enough for you and your yoga mat, and then some. Having a space already set up for you, makes it easier to motivate yourself. Having to clear a spot every time to do yoga, is slightly off-putting. Especially when you're first getting into the routine, keep a space just for yoga!
2. Create a regular yoga schedule
This can be challenging at first, especially if you haven't even started yet. Figure out how long it takes for you to go through a comfortable yoga session, then figure out when it fits into your daily/weekly schedule. For me, I made room for it. At first I only did yoga when I could, now it's part of my regular schedule, and it works for me.
3. Keep records of progress
This is more important than you think it is. Whether you take pictures, video, or write about your yoga progress, it's important to keep track. I keep motivated by looking back at my beginner photos and comparing them with updated photos after a lot of hard work. This ensures that you are indeed making progress, and can open up new goals to improve on something. I post my progress pictures and videos to Instagram and Facebook, to motivate other people and hopefully to inspire them as well.
4. Do NOT compare your own practice to someone else's
Yes, some people move faster than others. That doesn't mean that you are not good at yoga. I always like to remind my followers on Instagram not to get angry with themselves for not doing what others are doing. One of the main purposes of the practice, is feeling good, inside and out. Do what feels good to you.
5. Let your body do its progress
This kind of goes along with tip #4, but deserves it's own bullet point. Your body is different from everybody else's, therefore, it'll take its own time developing muscles and flexibility. Start with poses that feel comfortable, yet you still feel your body working. Push yourself toward progress, not toward injury. Do what you feel is right. Yoga isn't all about fancy asanas, it's about listening to your inner self, physically and mentally. Once you realize and practice this, yoga becomes so much more enjoyable to do at your own pace. If you do need help and extra tips to improve form, you can find an amazing yogi with awesome tutorials on youtube right here.
6. Breathe, breathe, breathe!!
I know you think this is a silly tip, but steady breathing is helpful in your practice. It's as simple as that! Just breathe.
7. You ARE cut out for yoga!
If you were questioning whether or not you are "cut out" for yoga, stop that right now. Yoga has something for everyone. It's not competitive, so you don't have to stand on your head, you don't have to do the splits. Heck, you don't even have to touch your toes! If something is uncomfortable for you, modify it. All shapes, sizes, and ages can benefit from this wonderful practice.
If you want to see some examples of yoga poses that I am currently practicing and to check out my progress, visit my Instagram @jonesy.the.yogi