Yoga Facts | Things to Know Before Starting Yoga Classes

Modern-day Yoga is a trending workout routine. But Yoga is much more. You come across several institutions and individuals professing yoga benefits on Instagram, Facebook, and other dedicated platforms. They are professionals and make the yoga poses look easy when they’re anything but. However, the benefits of yoga are for everyone.

Lately, there are misconceptions about Yoga with the rise of so many schools of yoga. There are a few things you should know before going for yoga classes online or at a yoga studio near you. It wouldn’t hurt you to find out about the history of Yoga and why it is considered as a way of life rather than just a form of exercise. Want to workout at home with the help of expert advice? Get FITCOACH – AI-led fitness coach that adapts to your workout needs and preferences.

Things to Know Before Starting Yoga Classes

• Everyone can do Yoga

You do not need to be flexible or fit to a certain degree before joining yoga classes online or offline. Irrespective of your body type, shape, gender, or age, you can do yoga exercises for a healthy lifestyle. If you have never been to Yoga classes or are just a beginner, do not increase your expectations by watching the models and professionals who have been practicing yoga for a long time. Don’t be intimidated because it’s their profession. You need not spend a lot of money on clothes and equipment. Just wear a loose t-shirt and shorts and get a soft mat. 

• Yoga benefits extend way beyond fitness

The origins of Yoga date back thousands of years to the Indus Valley Civilization. The modern Yogic practices have obviously evolved into something that suits the busy lifestyles. However, Yoga is the art of transforming yourself to improve the quality of life and take life as it comes.

Yogic exercises include a total of 8 limbs while modern yoga classes focus on just one. This shouldn’t stop you from attending yoga classes online or at studios but you should know that you can get much more from it. The Yoga asanas are just 1/8th of the yoga practices. Go ahead and reap the physical benefits of yoga but don’t stop yourself from exploring.

• All Yoga classes are different

The yoga poses and other movements practiced in a yoga class depend on the teacher, studio, and type of class. Some teachers ask you to define a purpose for your being at a yoga class. You can choose one for yourself among flexibility, healing, etc. The flow of the yoga class – the progression from one yoga pose to another – is defined by the instructor as per the attendees or the form of Yoga being practiced. There are several forms of yoga – Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and many more. Most Yoga classes are ended with the Savasana or the Corpse Pose.

• Don’t stress yourself

Yoga for beginners can be a little difficult but it is up to the Yogi or Yogini (the teacher) to make it easier for you to adapt. He/she will teach you the yoga pose modifications that will work for you. Do not push yourself beyond your capabilities to avoid problems. You will most likely feel a little sore after the first few sessions, which is normal and you should tell your instructor about it.