Beginner Yoga

[Felix_Jones]

Any advice on starting out in yoga. I've never done it, but I'd like to start.

My intentions aren't entirely spiritualistic and pure, I'm in it mostly because I'm in my 30's and still play rugby and I hear it's great for the joints and flexibility.

Plus, I hear that it's all women. So there you are.

But I would love some advice on getting started from folks out there who hav done it for some time.

 

[fire_breeze]

Any advice on starting out in yoga. I've never done it, but I'd like to start.

My intentions aren't entirely spiritualistic and pure, I'm in it mostly because I'm in my 30's and still play rugby and I hear it's great for the joints and flexibility.

Plus, I hear that it's all women. So there you are.

But I would love some advice on getting started from folks out there who hav done it for some time.

If you want to find a class, any city of any size (and T.O. is definitely such a city) will have a myriad of yoga classes - some small, some co-ops, some large and considerably more expensive. Most, if not all, gyms offer classes ranging from 'what-the-hell-is-yoga-?' to 'I-levitate-and-am-a-yogi-master'.

Because yoga is by nature holistic, you will find elements of spirituality, such as breathing in and letting go of negative energy, but that will depend on the instructor. And by the way, many people go into yoga for health reasons; I do yoga because it stretches my muscles, and it relaxes me. So if you do the class route, you will not the only one who doesn't go for it for 'spiritual or pure' reasons.

I'd ask around the Y or something for a basic, introduction yoga class, and sign up for one or two sessions. Every community paper will also have yoga classes, and google it. Or check yogatoronto.ca. Toronto is a yoga seat, so you will find every type of discipline to suit every need, and most will offer a free trial class. It may take some time for you to find a style you like AND an instructor that you connect with. Unfortunately, all you can do is research and proceed through trial by error. Also, ask around and you'll find many people - both men and women - do yoga and will tell you what and who they prefer and why.

If you want, you may want to YouTube different types of yoga (e.g. hatha or vinyasa or ashtanga) to get a feel for it and see what it's all about - also, you will get an idea of the basic poses.

Happy stretching

 

[Felix_Jones]

Awesome-o. Much obliged fire_breeze

 

[bobinks2]

If you want to do the DVD route in your home, Yoga Journal has a 3 dvd set that gives great instruction on how to do each pose.

Don't force anything or do anything that feels uncomfortable.

Here in the flyover states, most yoga classes are US $15. I figure that if I pay $15 for a dvd and do it a couple of times I'm ahead of the game.

I got bored with the normal yoga dvds. I recently found a series called Yoga Undressed. I haven't missed a day since I rec'd my dvd in the mail. Originally ordered the first in the series and just ordered the whole series. The prices seem to fluctuate wildly, and hourly on ebay and amazon. (I got the whole set delivered for US $40.)

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out this.

http://youtu.be/loszrEZvS_k

I find it just mesmerizing.

Edited to add -
If you're not real flexible, you'll also want to get some yoga blocks to help you hold the poses until you increase your flexibility.

 

[NeonKnickers]

I recommend a hatha class first, as they hold the poses a little longer and are quite nice. I prefer vinyasa as it flows beautifully. It's not about what you can do in yoga, it about getting to a point where you understand your body and work with it.

The biggest thing to remember is to smile and enjoy the feeling of being in your skin. That, and breathe.

 

[RAddams]

My intentions aren't entirely spiritualistic and pure
Plus, I hear that it's all women. So there you are.

Avoid wearing tight and revealing pants when you go.

 

[yuna1981]

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[ravi64]

Unsupervised Yoga for beginners is harmful best is to go to India get a guru get initiated and then be on the top of the world for the rest of your life

 

[NeonKnickers]

Avoid wearing tight and revealing pants when you go.

Worst. Advice. Ever.

 

[amofiga]

Any advice on starting out in yoga. I've never done it, but I'd like to start.

My intentions aren't entirely spiritualistic and pure, I'm in it mostly because I'm in my 30's and still play rugby and I hear it's great for the joints and flexibility.

Plus, I hear that it's all women. So there you are.

But I would love some advice on getting started from folks out there who hav done it for some time.

My wife is a long time practicioner of yoga and runs a yoga program for the community group where we live. From the little I know and have tried it, it would be best to take it very slow in the beginning and probably enroll in a class rather than run the risk of wracking your back or joints trying to follow a video. Many communities offer inexpensive programs with certified instructors that won't kill your wallet. The one my wife runs has two levels offered on two different days, beginners and advanced. It only costs $8 per session. It's mostly women since it's run during the day, but there are a couple of retired guys and one divorced layed-off guy who comes when he's not job hunting. Then again, I always suspect he may be a dirty old hound like you trying to score with some of the horny lonely housewives there. It sometimes makes me wonder about my own wife

Anyway, look around in your area. Good luck. My brother inlaw tried it and loves how it helps his golf. I do a little to help my hips and knees that were ravaged by distance running when I was younger.

 

[RAddams]

Worst. Advice. Ever.

I would look like some kind of down low Pinocchio fool staring at your "Yes Please" in a nice yoga pose.