Yoga Beginner: Our General Practice Guidelines for yoga is a must read if you are new to the practice. We cover all of the do’s and don’ts to having a effective yoga experience.
1: Duration of practice
Your day by day practice should be between 15 to 90 minutes long and done 1-6 times every week, depending on your schedule, ability and goals. Practicing more frequently with shorter practice times will yield greater results that practicing less frequently with longer practice times.
2: Drinking and eating
It is not advisable to drink or eat right before a yoga practice "particularly if you are practicing inversions". Eat no less than 1-3 hours before and drink only small amounts of water before practice, and do not drink during your practice if possible.
3: When not to practice yoga
Please read the contraindications for every posture before doing it. Pregnancy, Menstruation, high blood pressure and injuries to the shoulders, neck, and knees are all conditions where certain postures must be proper care and avoided must be taken in all postures. If you have any medical condition, you should check with your health care expert before starting a yoga practice.
4: How to choose postures
Choose to practice postures that look like you can do them. Postures done on the floor are going to be easier than standing postures, as they don't require as much balance or strength. Likewise, postures that have longer recommended hold times (in breaths) are going to be easier to do.
Utilize our yoga posture sequences as a starting foundation and stage for your practice sequence.
5: Moderate the level of intensity
You can make your yoga practice as vigorous and challenging as you want. We recommend you start slowly and make sure you understand the postures of alignment - Yoga Newton. There are three ways to increase the intensity of your practice: 1, hold postures for longer and longer periods of time; 2, slowly build your practice up to more challenging and advanced postures; 3, move quickly between postures. Read our Challenge Yourself article.
6: What to wear
Comfortable clothing, Loose or tights / unitards work best. Its important to wear something that will not confine your movement.
7: Modify the postures for your body
The pictures and instructions of the yoga postures are the “goal,” meaning the way you are going towards, not where you should be. Explore and Experiment different alignment and positions to make the posture work for your body.
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