I took my first series of yoga classes this year.
A friend wanted to celebrate her birthday with a hot yoga session with some of her closest girlfriends. I couldn't resist a birthday rooted in health; after all, holistic wellness is my thing. Contrary to my belief, though, yoga was not quite my thing – no matter how many times I had done it in my living room.
There were a few pointers that would have been helpful to me going into the session. Simple things like: downward dog at home is much different than downward dog in a 98-degree studio, and girl, drink water.
So, to provide you with a forewarning that I didn't particularly have, here are a few tips to help you as you begin your yoga journey.
Equipment.
Having the right equipment is important for making the most of your yoga experience. Before committing yourself to an hour-long yoga session, let's make sure you have the appropriate clothing and supplies:
Wardrobe.
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Body Awareness.
Body movement is prevalent in any form of fitness, yoga especially. Paying attention to your body is equally as important. Below are some aspects of honoring your body you should be aware of:
Don’t Force It.
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Mindfulness.
Yoga is not only a workout, it's a practice of mindfulness and meditation. To make the most of your session, it's important to master this practice as well:
Don’t Compare.
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It may seem like a lot of overwhelming information for your first time trying yoga, but all in all: have the right equipment (comfortable fitting attire, a yoga mat, and a towel are a necessity), listen to your body (don't push it past its limit), and master your mindfulness (find your peaceful place in the midst of your exercise). Combining all of this will ensure that you have a wonderful first experience!
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