How to get started with yoga?

Why start practicing yoga ?
Improve your sleep, boost your energy and your immune defenses, relax, build muscle, detoxify your body, stop being depressed, in short, the benefits of yoga are numerous. It's time to think about yourself and disconnect from everyday life, far from work or your children's homework. But how do you get into yoga when you're just starting out? In this article, discover how to start yoga step by step.

Know why you want to practice yoga

First of all, when you start yoga, it is important to define your intentions, that is, why you want to practice the art of asanas. It can be to de-stress, boost your immune defenses or simply have a better sleep, especially during this period of insecurity. Thus, day after day, you will remain motivated to do your yoga session .

Choosing your yoga style

There are different types of yoga : hot, dynamic or gentle yoga. The style depends on your intentions, your goals.

• Improve your sleep: Nidra (gentle yoga),
• Relax: Restorative, Nidra, Yin Yoga, Hatha (gentle yoga),
• Gain energy: Kundalini Yoga, Power Yoga (dynamic yoga),
• Develop your muscles: Vinyasa, Bikram, Ashtanga, Power Yoga (dynamic or hot yoga),
• Lose weight: Bikram (hot yoga),
• Detoxify your body: Bikram, Vinyasa, Ashtanga (dynamic or hot yoga),
• Strengthen your immune system: Kundalini Yoga (dynamic yoga).

Equip yourself with yoga equipment

Before participating in a yoga class , it is important to equip yourself with yoga accessories if you practice at home so as not to injure yourself when performing the postures.

Yoga mat

The yoga mat is one of the essentials for performing postures safely. It is completely suitable for the practice thanks to its grip, its cushioning (thickness) and its eco-responsible materials (TPE, jute, cork, natural rubber, Oeko-Tex certified PVC). Choose the size according to your body shape.

Yoga brick

A yoga block is perfect for keeping your balance if you lack flexibility. It is usually made of cork, bamboo or EVA foam. However, bamboo is not very slip-resistant.

Yoga strap

The yoga strap is the yoga accessory that helps you maintain good alignment in case flexibility is not there. Usually, it measures 2.50 m, but there are larger models.

Yoga Bolster

Cylindrical in shape and measuring approximately 63 or 69 cm long and 23 cm wide, the yoga bolster is particularly interesting for shoulder and heart opening postures or simply to bring you more comfort, for example, in the Savasana position.

Meditation cushion or zafu

The round, half-moon or rectangular meditation cushion offers better seating during meditation at the end of a yoga class . Choose it according to your height and the flexibility of your pelvis. The taller you are, the higher your zafu . If you are flexible, choose a cushion 5 to 11 cm high.

Buy yoga clothes

To practice yoga without being bothered by clothes, adopt the yoga outfit , made of elastane or spandex. These yoga clothes are comfortable. Thus, you are freer in your movements. Also opt for materials in organic cotton or bamboo, which in addition to being eco-responsible are breathable materials! Our advice, adapt your yoga clothes to the temperature of your home!

Women's yoga outfit

Generally, female yogis adopt, for the top, the yoga bra to support the chest, as well as a tank top or a t-shirt. The sweatshirt or sweater will be reserved for meditation at the end of the session. For the bottom, it all depends on what style of women's yoga clothing you feel comfortable in and the temperature of your home: leggings, shorts or pants/jogging. Be careful, jogging is less comfortable, because it can crease during certain asanas, while leggings allow greater freedom of movement.

Men's yoga outfit

As for the top, men wear either a tank top or a t-shirt. The yoga tank top allows for greater freedom of movement. The little extra is that you can also wear them on a daily basis for a casual style. For the bottom, it all depends on the temperature of your home. So, you opt for shorts or pants.

Online Yoga Sites and Apps

On the market, you can find several online yoga applications and sites, to practice at home. The advantage is that on these platforms, there are various levels (from beginners to experienced) and various types of yoga . Prices vary, but it happens that you can test for free for a few days to get an idea.

• Yoga Connect (website and iPhone and Android application),
• Casa Yoga TV (website and iPhone and Android application),
• Gotta Joga (iPhone and Android application),
• Asana Rebel (iPhone and Android application),
• Daily Yoga (iPhone and Android application),
• Down Dog (iPhone and Android app).

Our advice for yoga beginners

Are you a beginner in the art of yoga? Here are our tips:

• Remember to warm up well before starting your session,
• Do not overdo the postures, especially if you are not very flexible,
• Adapt to your physical condition and listen to your body,
• Don't try to progress too quickly or you risk injuring yourself,
• Do not hesitate to use yoga accessories (brick, strap, bolster) to maintain good alignment,
• Close your eyes to focus more easily on your body and your interiority,
• Remember to breathe well as indicated in your yoga video,
• Avoid distractions during your yoga class .