Thinking about trying yoga for the first time?
Fear not.
You are full of wonderful ideas, and starting yoga is a big one.
That is, beginning a yoga practice is a wonderful idea.
Truly.
Not to be confused with some of your less-than-perfect decisions.
The bangs you chopped into your hair in middle school, for example.
(Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.)
But now, it’s 2025
You are ready to live your best life, leaving drama and stress in the dust.
Sayonara, self-doubt and sleepless nights!
Yoga is a great place to start.
Millions of people around the world have turned to yoga for happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
But if you’re not sure exactly how to introduce yoga into your day to day life, here are some easy tips to get started.
1. Start with Acceptance
Yoga is a journey, not a destination. It’s about the process, not the outcome. Accept your body’s limitations and strengths, and focus on the present moment rather than striving for perfection.
Be kind to yourself, especially when you’re going through difficulties or setbacks. Accept yourself as you are and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without judging.
2. Release Expectations
Rather than striving for a particular outcome or perfection, focusing on the present moment and accepting your body’s current state. This allows for a practice that is more mindful and enjoyable, encouraging self-acceptance and growth.
Without judging, take note of your feelings and thoughts. Redirect your focus gently back to the present moment whenever you notice that you are getting caught up in expectations.
3. Understand the Core of Yoga
Yoga is not about forcing your muscles and spine into fancy shapes or being extremely flexible. Breathing, finding inner strength through meditation, and achieving body freedom through basic yoga poses are all part of it.
That’s all there is to it. Therefore, don’t worry about losing weight or being able to bend over backwards—those will come later. Instead, realize that yoga is both a process and a way of life. One of the eight pillars of yoga is the physical practice.
4. Notice Your Breathing
The most important skill to acquire is breath awareness, despite the fact that the exercise itself may appear to be significant. One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga for beginners is the connection between awareness and breath, whether you are doing a forceful exhale with your mouth in a Kundalini yoga class or filling your chest with fresh oxygen in a relaxing yoga pose.
Starting to pay attention to your inhale and exhale can help you sleep better, feel less stressed, and be more aware of the present moment
5. Get Comfortable in Stillness
Feel throughout your body for any unnecessary tension. As you stay with the sensation of the asana, release any tension in your eyes, relax your tongue, and sequentially let go of any residual tension along the length of your spinal column .
Experiment with different poses and find one that allows you to relax and surrender to the stillness.
6. Learn Basic Yoga
You can begin mindfully experimenting with yoga poses for beginners once you are confident that you are ready for the physical aspect of your practice. There is no need to try to jump into the more complex poses (um, hello inversions) or to try to be as bendy as the person next to you.
In each pose, focus on pressing your hands or feet into the floor, lengthening your spine, and relaxing your hips. You will be working with each pose exactly as even the most dedicated practitioners do if you keep this in mind as you practice.
7. Find Beginner Classes
Learning from an experienced yoga instructor is the most effective and safe way to learn yoga postures.Keep in mind that almost all yoga studios provide at least one yoga class for students of all levels; all you have to do is inquire about which yoga workout is best for you!
You will also need to practice all of the aforementioned points even as you begin to master the chaturanga.You’ll be well on your way to a more relaxed, flexible, and self-assured
On Final Note
Start with easy yoga poses, breathe naturally, and settle into stillness for comfort for beginners. Try a beginner class, go at your own pace, and take each step and breath at a time to relax.