Lowering stress levels, improving posture, overcoming various diseases are among a few of the variety of benefits of yoga. With countless benefits, it is not a surprise that yoga is so popular across the globe for the last few decades.
Yoga helps to harmonise the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of yourself in order to experience peace and self-realisation. This is achieved by using different yoga practices such as the pranayama (breath regulation practices), asanas (poses) and meditation.
Before yoga became famous, it was only known as a meditative exercise. However, with the advancement of technology and information, the benefits of yoga for one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health has been exposed to many around the world.
There are many methods available in order to learn, practice and master yoga. Let’s explore the best methods to use in order to learn yoga for beginners. If you do not know where to start, we hope this article will guide you to the right path to achieve your goals.
Why Do You Want to Learn Yoga?
This is the first and most important question to ask yourself before you start your journey. Why do you want to learn yoga?
Do you want to improve your posture or are you learning yoga as a form of exercise to lose weight? There can be multiple reasons for you to learn this ancient art. Your motivation to learn yoga will determine which type of yoga classes you want to join.
For example, if you are a beginner who is looking to learn basic postures and recognise the different poses, you will be interested in looking for Hatha yoga classes. If you would like to increase flexibility and body strength, you can choose hot yoga classes. As there are many types of yoga, it is important to decide what is your goal in order to decide which yoga will suit your needs best.
A number of studies prove that the combination of breathing, and physical and mental exercises in yoga can provide benefits for the body. Therefore, take your time to ponder over your motivation to learn yoga before you move on to the next step.
It doesn’t matter which style you choose, you will only succeed in learning it if you put in the time and effort. This is the key to learning anything. You will need to make time and practice regularly to improve. Set achievable goals that will motivate you rather than unrealistic goals that will only deter your progress.
Yoga Poses
If you are yet to familiarise yourself with yoga, there are some yoga poses which is commonly referred to as “asana” for beginners that you can try if you are interested in this activity.
Yoga is best done with an instructor who is ready to correct wrong movements and prevent unwanted injuries. Let’s look at some of the benefits you can gain by doing these poses.
Mountain Pose
The mountain pose can increase body awareness, strengthen the legs, and improve coordination between body parts. This movement is also used to analyze your posture, and whether your posture is correct.
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
This pose will stretch the hamstrings and calves, as well as strengthen the arms, legs, and back. This pose involves inversion movements which will help blood flow to the brain so it is very good for the circulatory system.
Child’s Pose
This pose aims to restore energy and relax the body after being active or after participating in athletic activities that make you feel out of breath. The Child’s pose will make breathing return to normal. Another benefit of this pose is to calm the mind, relieves stress, and can help you stretch your hips, thighs, and ankles.
Tree Pose
This pose targets the legs (thighs, calves, ankles), core muscles, and balance by standing on one leg. In addition to strengthening the legs and core muscles, this pose will also train other body parts such as the inner thighs, chest, and shoulders.
Cat-cow Pose
Cat cow is a very good pose for beginners because it can increase the mobility of the spine.
Cat pose and cow pose also provide many other benefits for the body, such as stretching the core muscles, back, chest, and neck, creating awareness of body posture, as well as training in regulating the tempo between breath and movement.
YouTube
Without having to visit the studio, you can find various free tutorial videos on Youtube. YouTube has become one of the best resources for yoga instructors since you can offer video tutorials freely as well as encourage your viewers to head to your own site for private tutorials and extra video content.
However, the huge amount of content available on YouTube can be nerve-racking. If you know what to look for, it can help you in your mission to master Yoga.
We have listed a few of our favourite options for you below:
These Youtube channels offer a great variety in terms of focus, yoga type, duration and many more. Choose according to your preference. Why are you learning yoga and what is your goal? If you are looking for workout-focused yoga, you can check out SarahBeth Yoga channel. If you are looking to practice yoga in order to improve your mental health, you can consider following Yoga with Adriene.
Websites
There are multiple websites that either offer paid online classes or free tutorials for you to choose from. If you prefer to learn on your own, this is will be a good option for you as this method provides you with flexibility and freedom to move at your own pace. You get to choose how and when you want to learn.
Here are a few sites for you to explore listed below:
- Do Yoga With Me
- Power Yoga
- Alo Moves
- Yoga Journal
- Yoga Download
These websites offer a variety of yoga styles such as Hatha and Vinyasa and will help you master a variety of yoga poses like mountain poses and more. Explore all the websites and see what suits your needs and budget.
Apps
In this digital age, it is common for everyone to own a phone or tablet. Most of us tend to use it to browse through social media or for other entertainment purposes. Why not use it for something useful?
There are many applications (apps) available to help you along in your journey of mastering yoga. We have listed down a few apps to assist you in learning Yoga below:
These apps allow you to learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home on a one-on-one basis. You may learn new yoga poses, improve your breathing techniques, master the art of meditation or simply have fun and relax.
Even though you won’t get the attention and feedback that you will receive when you attend physical classes, apps are still beneficial.
Physical Classes
While learning yoga online is convenient, as a beginner, you might have many questions and doubts such as if the position of your body is correct. Is the yoga pose done accurately? Taking lessons with an experienced instructor who will not only teach and guide you but also provide constructive feedback for you to improve is invaluable.
There are many free videos and websites available which help you to learn yoga. However, taking classes is the best way to learn as you have an instructor watching your movements and pointing you towards the right direction for you to improve.
It doesn’t matter if you a learning yoga as a hobby or you are aspiring to learn and teach others in the future, taking classes with an instructor will help achieve your goals.
Since yoga is popular in Malaysia, there are classes available in all states for you to learn if you are interested.
Superprof
Superprof is an online platform which connects students with tutors from all around the world. Superprof tutors are highly qualified to teach their respective subjects including yoga. The tutors or instructors teach many different yoga types and poses.
You also get to filter the yoga instructors according to your preferred location, maximum budget, languages of instruction as well as the range of taught yoga styles. You can choose to attend classes online or face to face. Arrange classes according to your convenience.
Everyone has their own learning style. If you have a private tutor who will design the lessons according to your learning style, you will be able to follow the class better, have a good understanding of the yoga techniques and be able to progress faster.
Search for yoga instructors here on Superprof!
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