Beginner Yoga

[skelly023]

I don't know much about the practice of yoga, but I was hoping to get more involved with it. Does anyone have any websites/tips for a beginner? I currently can't afford lessons, so I would like to practice something at home if at all possible. Videos online are fine, but I prefer something that I could maybe print out & take into the living room where there is more room to move around. Also, for those who do yoga, how do you feel it benefits you? Thanks!

[synergy]

I love yoga. I've been practicing intermittently for years and it's really improved my life. I'm jonesing for a practice, but I am just battling a cold and everything I've read says not to practice when you're sick.

Yoga has defintely improved my strength and flexibility, patience and peace. I've learned how to meditate far more deeply, and I feel quite a bit more grounded and centered.
One of the most important lessons of yoga is to honor your body where it's at, rather than being competitive with others or even with yourself. It's ok if you can't get deeply into the poses, just do what you can.

I would highly recommend taking at least a couple of classes with an instructor before trying yoga at home. An instructor can make sure you are doing the poses (asanas) with proper alignment, which will help you avoid injury.

You might be able to find a studio that offers karma yoga classes. This is where the instructor donates there time and there is no fee, but you just have to make a food or monetary donation.

Good luck with your journey!

[greensgood]

i always recommend this site (sorry if i already did to you) http://www.yogatoday.com/

also, netflix is a great source for yoga and work out videos. they have a huge selection its impossible to get bored.

[skelly023]

Thank you both for the advice!

I'd love to hear how people feel the practice of yoga has benefited them & their lives so that I have a stronger resolve to actually do it myself! :lol: I hear so many good things about it and would really love to give it a fair try. Does anyone here practice meditation as well & find that helpful?

[synergy]

I meditate fairly regularly, and man, I have to tell you, it gets better and better the more you do it. It really is something you have to work at and practice for awhile before you see life changing results, but when you do, it is astounding.

There are states of pure peace.... bliss, where your being dissolves and duality dissapears.

I can't tell you how much this has changed my life.

I'm happy now, and at peace :)

[skelly023]

That's so awesome. I would really like to get into that, & get the full experience of it.

I was browsing around online & found this, I was wondering for some input if it seemed like something worth purchasing:

http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/course.html

Again, thanks for the input!

[SobeVegChick]

I meditate fairly regularly, and man, I have to tell you, it gets better and better the more you do it. It really is something you have to work at and practice for awhile before you see life changing results, but when you do, it is astounding.

There are states of pure peace.... bliss, where your being dissolves and duality dissapears.

I can't tell you how much this has changed my life.

I'm happy now, and at peace :)

Do you meditate before or after yoga? At the same time daily? I'd love more information about this. I've tried it in the past and quite like it. For some reason I seem to fall out of the habit of doing it.

[lynnxoobrink]

I joined a gym that has yoga classes. Since i'm a member the classes are free. before i joined i had started doing yoga on my own but when i joined that class i fully realized how much more the group setting bennifits me more. I felt more motivated to try harder things and step it up. And if i get confused there are people there to help me and show me what to do. During the class we turn out the lights and just do it by candle light. its very relaxing. We have soft music in the back ground. There are about 10 people who do it and all different skill levels. Whenever i leave the class i feel relaxed and motivated and energized and i've gained alot of muscle since i started. Its crazy. Its way better than doing it in my living room to a dvd and trying to figure out what i'm doing.

[synergy]

Do you meditate before or after yoga? At the same time daily? I'd love more information about this. I've tried it in the past and quite like it. For some reason I seem to fall out of the habit of doing it.

Well, each yoga session generally ends with a meditation in Sivasana (corpse pose), so I do wind up meditating every time I do yoga.

Outside of yoga, my meditation practice is sporadic and spontaneous.
I'll do mindfullness meditation when doing things like washing the dishes, I'll take a 5 minute break at work during a stressful day, I'll watch a kundalini open eyed meditation whenever it strikes my fancy and when I'm on long drives by myself, I usually do an hour and a half of mantra meditation. It's an amazing way to pass the time!

I find myself meditating less than I used to, because my mind is actual far more peaceful now even when I'm not meditating if that makes sense.

Oh, and this will sound funny, but cuddling with my boyfriend is also one of my favorite ways to meditate. It's a way of being completely present, in the moment, at peace. If a thought happens to drift through my mind, it drifts out the same way, again leaving only the present moment.
It's pretty blissful.

[dani_cat]

Well, each yoga session generally ends with a meditation in Sivasana (corpse pose), so I do wind up meditating every time I do yoga.

Outside of yoga, my meditation practice is sporadic and spontaneous.
I'll do mindfullness meditation when doing things like washing the dishes, I'll take a 5 minute break at work during a stressful day, I'll watch a kundalini open eyed meditation whenever it strikes my fancy and when I'm on long drives by myself, I usually do an hour and a half of mantra meditation. It's an amazing way to pass the time!

I find myself meditating less than I used to, because my mind is actual far more peaceful now even when I'm not meditating if that makes sense.

Oh, and this will sound funny, but cuddling with my boyfriend is also one of my favorite ways to meditate. It's a way of being completely present, in the moment, at peace. If a thought happens to drift through my mind, it drifts out the same way, again leaving only the present moment.
It's pretty blissful.

Just reading this puts me at ease. I stress about everything and meditating sounds like something for me. Thanks

[bekajoi]

www.yogajournal.com (http://www.yogajournal.com) is the leading yoga magazine's website. You can read TONS of old articles there, they have forums, etc.

This girl has a free 30 day yoga challenge, showing you a little something every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBJDzOM2Tl0 (this is day 1, check out her channel for TONS more!)

This is another good channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatic?blend=1&ob=4

If you have a little $ to spend, I'd recommend these videos for purchase.
http://www.gaiam.com/product/yoga-studio/yoga-media/yoga-for-intermediates-advanced/vinyasa+flow+yoga+session+i+dvd.do

http://www.gaiam.com/product/yoga-studio/yoga-media/yoga-for-intermediates-advanced/vinyasa+flow+yoga+session+ii+dvd.do

I've researched a lot and these are the best I've come across for my needs. I ended up getting them both from a vendor on ebay, for $30 total, including shipping. So I saved $10 by buying them this way. (WOW! This is a great price: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vinyasa-Flow-Yoga-Uniting-Movement-Breath-Seane-Corn_W0QQitemZ140306815934QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_DV D_HD_DVD_Blu_ray?hash=item140306815934&_trksid=p4295.c0.m313 )

Previews for these, the intro to session one and the preview from session two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peBNUkSTvi0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Zp8Go7yYc

Anyway! HTH! :) A little free stuff... a little recommendation. I also like this site for buying needed props and stuff for less: http://yogadirect.com

I just ordered some stuff and got myself a "Yoga is for POSERS" shirt, LOL. :) Can't wait!

[SobeVegChick]

Synergy, thanks for the info! I think I am going to make a conscious effort to pick up my practice again. I like the ideas about mindful meditation while washing dishes, etc. What a great idea!

Bekajoi, what type of yoga mats have you ordered (if any) from yogadirect.com? I've been thinking of picking up one of their 1/4" mats for a tad more cushioning. I wonder if they will be too squishy for their own good, though?

[greensgood]

Thank you both for the advice!

I'd love to hear how people feel the practice of yoga has benefited them & their lives so that I have a stronger resolve to actually do it myself! :lol: I hear so many good things about it and would really love to give it a fair try. Does anyone here practice meditation as well & find that helpful?

im a massage therapist so working puts my body in high demand, yoga helps me keep in shape for work, improves my alignment, and of course is a great way to relieve stress from busy days.

[bekajoi]

Mats are just to help you stick to the floor to hold poses better. They should not be cushy, if you need cushioning under a knee for a knee to floor pose, etc, you can use a folded blanket. I guess if you have really sore knees the 1/4" may do better.

The one I ordered yesterday is a 1/8", as is my current one. I felt a 1/4" Gaiam mat and wasn't thrilled with the CUSHY feeling. The rubber one seemed to maybe be TOO thin, so the 1/8" appears to be perfect. For me, anyway. ;)

I asked my friends the yoga instructors about mats before I ordered and they both agreed that squishy isn't great, sticky is key. HTH!

[SobeVegChick]

I have a Gaiaim one and it is not particularly sticky. Please do let us know how your new one works. I have yet to find one that remains sticky even as your feet become moist and sweaty from the workout.

[Shamandura]

i always recommend this site (sorry if i already did to you) http://www.yogatoday.com/

also, netflix is a great source for yoga and work out videos. they have a huge selection its impossible to get bored.

Wow, I don't know why I have never even thought of netflix for workout videos. I'm a newbie netflix addict! I have a habit of buying workout videos, that I end up not enjoying.

I've been wanting to try my hand at yoga for a while, as I have been practicing spiritual meditation for years, which helps with stress. Belly dance and resistance bands have been my main focus and I think yoga would complement well.

[bekajoi]

Really, from what I understand "sticky", for the mat, just means it gives grip. I slide on the floor alone, the sticky mat helps me ground my toes and hands better. If I'm really sweaty, I keep a towel nearby to wipe off palms, as those are what tend to slip easiest (especially in Downward Facing Dog!)

You don't want it to grab your skin, if you pushed too hard, it could damage the skin. The rubber mat I felt the other day (Gaiam) felt like that, like it was going to hold TOO firmly. Maybe you'd like the feel of those? I saw them at Whole Foods and Target, and REI. REI had a Nike mat that felt a little odd, it was textured, but didn't feel as grippy as the Gaiam ones, somehow. It has long grippy things that kind of stand/lay there, and it feels like they'd move too much with a person.

I'll review the Yoga Direct mat when it gets here, they appear to be the basic mats most yoga places stock. Hell, they have whole ROLLS of mat so you can make just the length you want. :)

[SobeVegChick]

Thanks for the input! I think I will take a quick visit to the store to feel a few different ones again.

Do post back what you think of the one you just ordered. Their pricing and selection can't be beat!

[ashiyanayoga]

Yoga in general has a lot of advantages. A minimum of 20 minutes everyday yoga routine can improve circulation, reduce stress and make one feel young and vibrant...


Ashu
www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com

[Mollfie]

I started doing yoga at home, but got lazy >.> I really need to start again. I'm going to get the boy to do it with me so we can motivate each other hopefully.

[SobeVegChick]

So I've gotten back into doing yoga more regularly again. My mat is sooo not sticky. It's a Gaiam. :help: Bekajoi, how did yours work for you? Anyone have a particularly sticky brand to recommend?

[bekajoi]

The new one is better than my Pro Spirit by a LONG shot! It actually makes un-sticking noises when you unroll it! LOVE. Totally worth it. :)

[SobeVegChick]

Awesome! I'm totally going to order. :up:

[Kiran]

Glad to find a discussion about yoga! I've been practicing for just over 10 years and its been one of the great discoveries of my life. Its also the reason I first went veg (but that's another story).

Its important to start with a good teacher to learn how to do the asanas correctly (so you don't hurt yourself) and learn how to be patient with the process. Never force yourself into a pose and remember to focus on your breathing.

There are many types of yoga out there from ashtanga which is a more powerful and athletic style, to Iyengar, in which poses are held much longer, to viniyoga which is somewhere between the two. There are many more types (like Jivamukti which promotes veganism as part of its teachings) so take your time and explore.

Once you've had a few classes, you can start a home practice every day with something a simple as a few surya namaskar (sun salutations), 1-2 other asanas, and of course finishing with savasana (corpse pose). A 10 minute session in the morning or after you get home from work/school is a nice gift you can give to yourself every day. Even if all you have time for is one long sun salutation when you wake up, its worth it - even your cats and dogs do it when they wake up!

As someone wisely said earlier, its important to keep going to classes because otherswise you'll stay stuck in your own rut/comfort zone (same thing) and stop growing. Its also good to get corrected so you are doing the poses with the proper alignment, etc.

If you're looking for some good DVDs to work from, I'm a big fan of Shiva Rea's flow series. As for yoga mats, I like the Prana Eco Sticky Mat which is made from earth friendly materials (and is both sticky and nicely padded).

If you have a cat - be warned. They love to claw at and destroy sticky yoga mats which have been left rolled out (and sometimes even when they are rolled up and leaning in a corner).

[Shamandura]

If you have a cat - be warned. They love to claw at and destroy sticky yoga mats which have been left rolled out (and sometimes even when they are rolled up and leaning in a corner).

hehe, I bet by your avatar you know from experience! Cool, thanks for the mat recommendation!