Yoga may seem a little intimidating at first, especially when you see advanced students easily get into the most difficult positions. Luckily, it’s actually pretty easy to get into yoga. All you need are some simple tips and you’ll find out just how easy it is to make yoga a regular part of your day.  

1. Practice Between Classes

This is one of the most important (yet least-followed yoga tips). If you really want to get the most out of your yoga experience, practice in-between classes. If you practice even a few minutes each day, it will make a difference. 

Many yoga teachers will give students poses to practice at the end of each class. If you’re not sure, they love questions after class, so ask! Or send them an email with your questions. 

2. Keep an Open Mind

Yoga may seem a little strange for new students. Some yogis like to burn incense during classes, chant OM, sing, or discuss yoga philosophy and teachings. 

If you keep an open mind, you’ll soon feel at home in the world of yoga. You may even learn how the ancient tools of yoga apply to our modern lives.

3. Focus On Your Breathing

Breathing is arguably the most vital aspect of yoga. The first thing that many yogis will teach beginning students is how to breathe properly. 

This tip will help you feel calm and centered. It will also help you perform to the fullest extent of your abilities during a yoga session. 

4. See Yourself in Other Students

Learning to refrain from comparing ourselves to others is one of the greatest gifts that yoga can give you. It can be disheartening, especially for beginners, to continually compare yourself to other yogis. 

You may wonder how it’s possible for these advanced students to do these difficult poses so easily. When you catch yourself comparing, remember that everyone started as a beginner.

This tip will help you to focus on your own yoga practice and see yourself in everyone around you. Importantly, you avoid comparing yourself to more advanced students. 

5. In the beginning, Keep It Simple

This tip ties into the previous one. Attempt the most basic poses as soon as you start. Every basic pose is actually a foundation pose. When you master a foundation pose, you’re ready to try more and more challenging poses. 

Remember: “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither was yoga or your yoga practice! 

The best yoga teachers will teach a class that everyone can take, and give beginning students the steps needed to attempt the more strenuous postures.

6. Let the Yoga Teacher Know What’s Going On in Your Body

We all have days, months, or even years when our bodies have a unique physical situation going on. A minor injury, condition, or physically unique anatomy may create challenges in your yoga practice that your yoga teacher can help you with. 

When you let your teacher know what is happening in your body, they will be able to assist you in getting the most out of your yoga experience. Feel confident that you can talk to (or email) your yoga teacher discretely before class. 

Letting them know about your personal challenges prior to class will allow them to make appropriate accommodations.

7. Allow time for digestion Before Class

Most yogis recommend refraining from eating a large heavy meal right before class. Allow for at least two hours for your meal to be digested before you take a class. 

If you find you’ve missed a meal and need some fuel to make it through your yoga class, we recommend having a light snack to hold you over until after the session. Good snack ideas include a handful of nuts or dried fruit, an apple or banana, or even a small blended juice. 

Don’t’ forget to stay hydrated throughout your day. Specifically, before and after class. This helps stay hydrated without drinking a lot of water right before your class begins.

8. Go Barefoot

Practicing yoga barefoot allows students to be more in touch with their surroundings. This may seem strange to students accustomed to wearing shoes when exercising. However, you may soon come to prefer going barefoot. 

That being said, if you have issues with balance or weak ankles, you may find that starting out with sneakers on feels more stable. Don’t worry! Try that until you’re ready to free your feet.

9. Dress for the Occasion

Doing yoga in jeans or a dress might inhibit your freedom of movement. But, designer yoga clothes are definitely not required either! 

We recommend your usual workout clothes or try loose, comfortable clothes for yoga sessions. You want to feel like you can move both freely and comfortably. 

Bonus Tip: Try Online Yoga Classes

Whether you’re nervous about showing up at a studio or you want to feel out yoga before you dive in, online yoga classes are a great way to explore your mind and body. At The Soule Collective, we offer unlimited online yoga classes you can take from the comfort of your home. 

Check out our classes and try us out!

*Photo credit: Simbarashe Cha