A Quick Truth About Yoga! What are the Real benefits?

What type of yoga is best for beginners?

Do you think about swooping into meditation?

If you're a beginner looking to dive into the world of yoga, congratulations! You've taken the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life. But with so many different styles of yoga out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Don't worry, though, because I'm here to give you instructions on how to find the best type of yoga for beginners.

I have been through multiple workout phases in my life. Lifting weights, only walked 10K steps a day, tried to run a few miles (the worst stage), and I played soccer for many years.

But Yoga has always been my favorite and the only form of exercise that has stuck through the years. I started Yoga at eighteen because of my high school's yoga gym class (thank you to the fantastic teacher Mr.Patton). Although I lost sight of my practice for about two years trying to do running and weights, I realized that Yoga makes me happiest!

I am a loving yoga hippie.

There are tons of videos and explanations on why Yoga is impressive, but I loved the information presented in Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. They give a fabulous snippet of the variations of practice. One can try many forms of yoga, and there is a lot of information on the practices since you know it has been around since 2700 B.C. (so no, it's not just a trendy workout that hippies brought upon).

For example, one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly types of yoga is Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on gentle, slow-paced movements and emphasizes proper alignment and breathing techniques. This style of yoga is perfect for beginners because it allows you to build a strong foundation and develop body awareness. Hatha yoga classes often include a variety of poses, such as standing, seated, and reclining postures, making it a well-rounded practice for beginners.

Another excellent option for beginners is Vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing style that synchronizes movement with breath. It is great for beginners because it helps develop strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. In Vinyasa classes, you'll move through a series of poses, seamlessly transitioning from one to another. The continuous flow of movement keeps you engaged and focused, making it an ideal choice for beginners who enjoy more dynamic practices.

I personally, am a huge fan of vinyasa yoga. Most of the video classes I use for my practice are vinyasa sequences.

Yoga is excellent for many reasons, stretching the body, relaxing the mind, pushing yourself to new limits, etc. The gratitude I feel towards it can be summed up by what yoga teacher Alex Silver-Fagen says in her Nike class Slow & Restorative Yoga (this is a free class I have linked here, and I highly encourage you to try it):

"The quick response to a new sensation is usually trying to get out of it, but know sensations, they pass…but a sensation and a new sensation is something to explore, something to breathe through, and I promise the sensation will subside."

Yoga takes courage, working out takes courage, and simply trying new hobbies, skills, activities, and foods can bring a sensation that evokes a feeling of fear. That is why we often run away back into our comfort zones. I found that Yoga is an approach that can take you through extreme workouts at a pace you are comfortable with while simultaneously bringing encouragement and options that best suit you.

By sticking with my practice throughout the years, I have learned the importance of being in the moment and finding happiness within my workout. Because let's be honest, a lot of the time, when we are genuinely motivated to hit the gym, it's because we want to see a better version of ourselves. Yoga, however, allows you to find growth and that feeling of achievement in so many ways. You can always end your workout with a sense of pride.

I am not a pro, I can't do a lot of poses, and since I stopped for a couple of years, I even lost some of the poses I was once able to do. But it is all a journey, and each day is a practice, your practice. It's one of the best workouts you can do for your body and mind, and if you are still debating trying it or jumping back in, let this be your sign to get back into it!

Whether you choose Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, or any other style that resonates with you, the most important thing is to start. Go pick up Ikigai, start a Youtube video, get the Nike app, and choose to start today. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Embrace the journey, embrace the practice, and allow yourself to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Trust me, the benefits of yoga are truly transformative, and you deserve to experience them. So take that first step, unroll your mat, and let the magic of yoga unfold in your life.

Namaste.

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