NEW TO YOGA? HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

I get it: Yoga can be intimidating. If you're new to Yoga, the number of class options alone can be overwhelming, let alone seeing people doing gravity-defying poses! Over the last few years, I've often heard things like, "I'm not very good at Yoga" or "I'm not flexible enough for Yoga".

Well, let me tell you something very important now: There's no such thing as 'being good at Yoga'. Yoga is for everyone and you don't need ballerina-level flexibility to give it a try. In a matter of fact, you do it to become more flexible (on and off the mat 🙃 ).

When I first started Yoga in 2012 I definitely had lots of questions on my mind, which eventually led me to do a Yoga Teacher Training. Working as a teacher over the years has led to many conversations with Yoga-Newbies and similar questions come up again and again. So today I thought I'd cover a few things that everyone needs to know if you're rolling out your mat for the first time. 🙂

What does Yoga mean?
Yoga means union. In the western world when we hear the word Yoga, people often straight away think of impossible physical postures.... or boring stretching. Yoga is not about bending your body into pretzel-like postures at all. The physical practice, called Asanas (postures), is only one small aspect of the tradition of Yoga as a whole.

The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', meaning 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as individual Self and universal Consciousness. Although there are many different styles of Yoga, most focus on bringing together body, mind and breath as a way of altering energy (prana) or shifting consciousness.

The importance of breath in Yoga
Have you ever wondered why Yoga teachers keep telling you to focus on your breath during class? Our breath plays an important part in our practice. The literal translation of the Sanskrit word 'pranayama' is "life force extension" and it is believed that its various techniques not only rejuvenate the body but actually extend life itself. You can practice pranayama as an isolated practice, or integrate it into your physical practice. Check out our Steady, Release and Quickies categories to find classes with various breathing techniques, like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodnana Pranayama).

Finding the right style of Yoga for you
If you've ever browsed yoga class schedules, you've most likely encountered a range names that you may have never heard before. I definitely had no idea what all these different class names meant when I first started Yoga. There are too many styles of yoga to name in today's blog post, but here are a few common styles you may come across:

• Vinyasa Yoga: The word vinyasa can be translated as "arranging something in a special way", like yoga poses for example. In vinyasa classes we coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. Ashtanga and Power Yoga could all be considered vinyasa yoga as they typically include a sequence of poses.

• Ashtanga YogaUnlike Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga is a practice based on a set sequence of postures that never changes, with sequences increasing in levels of difficulty. Ashtanga was founded by K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) and is often taught "Mysore style", meaning students learn a series of postures and practice at their own pace while a teacher moves around the room providing adjustments.

• Power Yoga: Power Yoga's sequences are always different, while the benefits include building internal heat and increasing stamina, strength and flexibility. I often refer to EVOLV.'s classes as Power Yoga, rather than Vinyasa classes, because of the intensity we might experience throughout practice. The original Power Yoga was developed and founded by Beryl Bender Burch, but is now a term used to describe many vigorous vinyasa styles.

• Yin Yoga: In Yin Yoga poses are typically held for 3-5 minutes to access deeper layers of fascia, working the connective tissue around your joints. It's a largely passive practice and involves variations of seated and supine poses that are often supported with lots of Yoga props like blankets, bolsters, straps and blocks.

• Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar Yoga, named after and founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, is known for its focus on anatomical detail and the alignment of each posture. Postures are often modified with props like blocks, blankets and straps and held for long periods. This style is designed to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability and awareness - a perfect style for any beginner that wants to understand more about alignment, as well as advanced students for extra extension in each posture.

How to get started
I'm often asked what I recommend for someone brand new to Yoga. I know that these days we see a lot of self-taught yoga influencers on Instagram... But if you're looking to learn the foundations of yoga and practice in a way that is safe for your body, I always recommend finding a class that is labeled "beginner", "basic" or "Level 1". If you happen to not enjoy your first experience with yoga, please don't throw in the towel! Find another teacher and see if their class style is better suited to you. There are literally millions of yoga teachers out there, and I also tried many different classes before I found something that got me hooked 🙂

Our Steady, Release and Quickies categories, which are all part of the Premium Membership, are a great starting place. But I definitely recommend going to in-person classes first before diving into the online world. And when you're ready to join me on the mat, make sure to let me know and I'll support you where I can.

Happy practicing 🙏🏼

Lots of love,

Christine xx