Yoga is becoming increasingly popular all over the world because of both its physical and mental benefits. Whether you're looking to get into yoga at home or at a local class, we've built a guide which you can use to get you through your yogi newbie phase.
How To Start Yoga
One of the big benefits of yoga is the ability to practice anywhere and at any time, but this skill can take a while to develop. If you're new to the art, the best place to start yoga is by getting stuck in at a class with a qualified instructor who can give you some top tips and advice on how to improve. You’ll be able to build confidence much quicker if you’re getting regular feedback from an experienced yogi.
If you aren’t quite ready for a morning yoga routine at the gym, you can start at home with a simple yoga routine. Why not give a morning yoga routine a go a few times a week and you’ll soon be well up to speed with the basics. With a quick search online you'll be able to find plenty of yoga routines for beginners to follow along with.
Morning Yoga
A simple and quick morning yoga routine is a great way to start the day. A few simple morning yoga stretches can help to energize you and get you going for the day ahead. Unsure where to start? We’ve put together 5 simple morning yoga stretches for you to try out at home or in the gym. Even a morning yoga routine which takes just 10 minutes will get you feeling ready to take on the day ahead.
Different Types of Yoga
If you’re just starting out as a yogi, the different names and types of yoga can be really confusing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main different types of yoga.
This is a gentle form of yoga, traditionally very slow moving. There are three main focuses when practicing hatha, your breath, sitting into the stretch and having controlled movements. It tends to focus on more static poses, rather than moving through different poses. Hatha yoga classes can also include meditations and breathing practises.
This flow is more fluid moving than Hatha, it focuses more on connecting each movements to the your breath. Here the yoga poses flow constantly from one pose to another, with no stopping in between. What’s important is that you keep moving and do your best to flow from one move to another. The flow can constantly change, making each work out new and exciting.
This is seen as one of the most difficult If you’re someone who likes to jump in right away, ashtanga yoga could be perfect for you. With poses changing every five breaths, this is a fast-paced fun yoga variation that’s definitely going to get the blood pumping. Each flow contains the same poses in the same order, so having a good memory will definitely benefit you here.
If you think the idea of yoga is boring, give this one a go and you’ll soon change your mind!
Common Yoga Mistakes to Avoid
In our daily lives, we have our phones with as almost every minute of the day. You should use your yoga routine as your one chance to switch off from the world and focus on yourself. If you’re following a Yoga routine from an online video, try following along from a laptop with a fullscreen, this way you’re less likely to get distracted by any incoming messages or calls.
Wearing yoga clothes which are too tight or restrictive will limit your ability to get into different poses, as well as your enjoyment. It’s best to wear clothing which is light, breathable and flexible. Your yoga gear also shouldn’t irritate your skin or scratch.
What to wear for Yoga
We've mentioned what not to wear for yoga, here are some examples of activewear pieces that ideal to be worn during your yoga practises.
Our Don't Sweat It II Sports Bra is a medium impact bra, which provides an extra level of support for workouts. The removable pads means you can customise the fit, and the SeamSmart technology allows you to move freely without the risk of any rubbing or irritation on the skin.
When it comes to your t-shirt, our Men's Persist Tee and our Women's Vigilant Lightweight Tee are both created using Q-Wic Plus fabric, which helps to wick sweat, accelerate drying and can also help to repel any odour causing bacteria, keeping you smelling and feeling fresh!
Both of these t-shirts are available in 5+ different colours, and are size inclusive with the mens going up to a 3XL and the womens going to a size 28.
When it comes to bottoms, you can choose from either shorts or full length trousers, anything as long as they don't restrict any movement.
Yoga Accessories
So you've sorted the yoga 'fit, now it's time to think about the equipment you might need. We have a yoga starter kit that includes a yoga mat, yoga block and strap. All you need to add to your kit bag is a water bottle and then you're all sorted for your first yoga class! So go out there and smash it.