New to yoga? 5 Top tips on where to start

If you’re new to yoga, are revisiting it again after some time away, then hopefully this blog will just give you some top tips on how to get back into or start your yoga practice. If you are new, it can be quite daunting, so the beauty of online yoga means you can practice in the comfort of your own home (with the camera off!) But let’s face it, we have all missed face to face, and there is nothing better than getting on the mat and getting advice first-hand!

Whether you want to continue your online journey with me or are prepping for a return back to a studio, here are some of my top tips to help you on your way.

1. Wear comfortable clothing

That’s right. Being comfortable is key. You don’t want to be spending your time adjusting your clothes or hair, so my advice is wear what feels good to you. For me that’s usually yoga leggings (as I like to have everything hugged in), with a baggy t-shirt or vest top (nothing clingy around the tummy area for me thank you very much J). For other’s this can be loose trousers or joggers (light flowy clothes are often recommended, but I find personally they can get in the way). So, find what works for you, but remember to give yourself room to move about, and get sweaty in. I like to have a jumper sometimes for savasana or meditation at the end to keep warm.

2. You don’t need fancy equipment

If you are just starting out and are a beginner at yoga, then my advice is to use what you have in the home and research what you want to buy. Take your time, as you can use alternatives every step of the way. The best yoga classes don’t always have fancy mats or blocks, it is just as good to use cushions off the sofa, a towel for a mat and a belt for a strap! When you are learning yoga online, you can just reach to whatever is closest to you, and I am a big fan or props, so I like to use a wall, a chair or even my pillows. Yoga doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive unless you want it to be!

3. Stay hydrated

It’s ones of the easiest things, but one of the things people often forget to do! I try and encourage people to drink and keep their fluid levels up across the whole day (week is better), so when you come to a yoga class you aren’t feeling tired and thirsty. T’s best not to try and drink lots of liquid just before a class as this can make you feel tired and bloated but do try and drink as much as you can across the day. Trust me, you will notice a difference.

4. Eat light a few hours before you practice

It can be tough at first, but as yoga can often incorporate a lot of twisting in the abdominals, this can be sometimes uncomfortable if you have eaten a lot just before a class. Try and limit food to minimum one hour before class if you need to and keep it light with a yogurt or something similar. If you are eating big, try and do this four hour or more before a class.

5. Be realistic with what you can do

If you haven’t practised for a while or are starting yoga from scratch, but realistic with what your body can do. If you can’t touch your toes, then you still might not be able to after one class. Aim for smaller more achievable milestones to start with and build up your practice from there. More importantly, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You do you, it’s ok if it isn’t perfect, if you get tired or frustrated (and remember sometimes yoga teachers wobble and fall). Yoga is a practice that’s here for you, so keep it simple and more importantly, have fun!