Yoga can be intimidating if you have never tried it before, know very little knowledge about the practice and your first introduction to yoga is difficult aesthetic poses shared through social media. More often than not, the first question that runs through your mind is, can a beginner practice yoga?
Beginners most certainly can practice yoga and it can easily be introduced by postures first. Postures can be entered with variations and can be modified to help the practitioner be in a state of ease and comfort. These postures have shown to have wide range of benefits to the body.
Seated Asanas
It is common to start and end the mat practice in a seated position. This simple pose can be very grounding and meditative.
(Beginner Practitioner seated on a block to elevate the hips above the knee, Sidhhasana)
(Beginner Practitioner using a strap to enter seated pose, Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana)
(Beginner Practitioner in a seated pose, Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Standing Asanas
Have you ever notice a practitioner starting a sequence in a standing posture? The standing pose, is an anatomical position, or easier understood as your postural alignment. Someone with poor postural alignment can experience, pain in the back, neck, headaches, and may even reduce the persons mobility.
(Beginner Practitioner in standing pose, Tadasana)
Inversion Asanas
These postures involve the practitioner being upside down. Though it is considered to be an advance posture, beginners can use variations and modify the pose with props and try out some simpler inversions such as downward facing dog and a bridge pose. When one is in this posture, blood flow to the upper body and head is increased, and this will help improve circulation and oxygenation.
(Beginner Practitioner in downward facing dog with chair support)
(Beginner Practitioner in a bridge pose with chair support)
Floor Asanas
Floor Asanas, typically are postures where the practitioner is lying down on his or her belly (prone) or on his or her back (supine). I am sure for many, the rest pose (Savasana) needs no introduction. Other Floor Asanas include;
(Beginner Practitioner using her leg as support to enter floor asana, Vasisthasana)
(Beginner Practitioner using a bolster to help enter into floor asana, Bhujangasana)
Frequently Asked Questions.
What Should Beginner Practitioners Look For?
A qualified yoga instructor can help give guidance with poses, providing tips on proper body alignment.
Look for a studio with props to assist you in your practice.
Choose the theme/style of the practice that you are comfortable with.
Comments