So, you've decided to give yoga a try—congratulations! Embarking on a yoga journey is an incredible way to enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But getting started can feel a bit overwhelming with all the poses, terms, and styles to choose from. Don’t worry! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you ease into yoga and make it a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

The first stage of your yoga journey starts before ever rolling out a mat or attending a yoga class. Why do you want to practice yoga? Is your goal to become more flexible? Build strength? Is it because everyone else does it? You have to take a step back and think about your intentions for starting yoga. This is going to help guide you in deciding the type of classes you want to attend.

So once you have figured out your intentions for starting your yoga journey, what's next?

Well, yoga is not a one size fits all. Some yoga classes are more dynamic and link breath to movement, while others are slow paced and focus on deep stretching.

As a yoga teacher my favorite style to teach is Vinyasa. This is the dynamic style that links breath to movement. It usually is a quicker pace and will cause you to break a sweat.

Here is a little list of styles that many studios offer

• Hatha Yoga: gentle introduction to basic poses and breathing techniques
• Vinyasa Yoga: Dynamic movement linked to breath.
• Yin Yoga: A slow paced practice focus on holding poses longer for a deeper stretch.
• Restorative Yoga: A deeply relaxing style that uses props to support the body.

Once you have the chance to explore these styles you will have a better understanding of what works best for you and your intentions. Just remember you do not have to go to a studio to practice yoga. You can watch YouTube videos in the comfort of your own home until you feel confident. Or book an individual session with me!

Now the fun part, shopping for your basics! Yoga does not require much, and if you are practicing at home you can really go without a lot of things.

The basics you need for yoga is:

• Yoga Mat (many studios have these to borrow)
• Comfy clothing (do not be fooled by the yogis on IG. You can wear whatever leggings or shorts you want. You do not have to be in a matching set)
• Props (super optional and many studios offer these. At home you can use pillows, blankets, or books)

Okay, you have your basics and explored some yoga styles. Time to make this a sustainable practice! You need to start small. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Sometimes attending classes in a studio is not the easiest to maintain, that's fine!

Start with 15-20 minutes a day at home to get comfortable with your practice. Yoga can be intimidating to some due to what is shown on the internet. Yoga is not about the crazy poses, but how you feel connected to yourself while doing it.

My first real experience with yoga was in a Vinyasa class in Santa Barbra, CA with a friend. My butt was kicked, but it gave me a better understanding that I need to start small with my yoga goals. I started doing Sun Salutations once a day to help me build my confidence. Those are no joke either! Learn the basics for yourself!

Do not forget that breath work is a huge part of yoga. You need to learn to mindfully breath and focus on how the movements mix with your breathing. Breathwork is going to help you understand your body more and give you the ability to calm your mind down.

Respect and listen to your body. Not every pose is to be practiced to perfection. Some poses do not work with certain bodies. You have to listen to yourself. If your hips are screaming that something is uncomfortable, take a minute to check in with yourself. The perfect pose is not worth the pain that could stay with you.

Along the lines of listening to your body, be patient with yourself. You are not going to be able to master these advanced poses quickly. You need to celebrate your small wins, like touching your tows or holding a pose longer than before. Yoga is s journey and not a destination. There will always be something new to try, but yoga will not feel satisfying if you are constantly putting yourself down for not being able to headstand. (I can't even headstand and I teach yoga!)

Starting yoga has been a blessing for me. I have been able to connect with some wonderful people and watch my students grow through so many challenges. This is one of the best gifts to give yourself even if you are not out in a yoga studio every week. Your practice will grow with you, offering new challenges and rewards at every stage of life. So take a deep breath, unroll your mat, and begin.

Namaste ☀️