How to Start a Yoga Practice

Hi there you beautiful soul!

I’m excited that you are either starting or continuing your yoga practice! I am here to help guide the way on how to start yoga, what to expect from the asanas (poses), and how to continue to develop your practice!

First of all, make sure you have all of the proper yoga gear. You will need a yoga mat, and I highly recommend buying yoga props. The props that will elevate your practice include two blocks and a strap. Additional yoga props that I enjoy practicing with include an eye pillow, a bolster, incense, and a Tibetan singing bowl.

Next, carve out a time during the day to practice. Writing it down on my personal calendar helps me hold myself accountable for my practice. I have also found that I enjoy practicing yoga any time of the day – morning, afternoon, or evening. Just make sure you are setting aside at least 10 minutes to warm up in the integration series.

Eventually, I would like to roll out podcasts and YouTube videos so I can verbally cue you through asasas and flows, but for now I highly recommend using YouTube and searching “Alo Yoga.” Alo has created a wide variety of content for both beginner and advanced yogis. They have a “7 Days of Gratitude” series, where 3 different teachers guide you through various flows. This week of yoga will give you insight to all of the possible variations yoga has to offer! Thank you Alo for creating free, knowledgeable content to those who can access it! It is truly amazing, and I plan to do the same!

So, where do you start?

Step 1:  Buy your yoga mat and props.

Step 2: YouTube “Alo Yoga 7 Days of Gratitude.” or check out my podcast for a 15 minute grounding flow –> anchor.fm/gentlesoulyogi

Step 3: Start with Day 1. You may continue to practice every day, or take a day or two off in-between. If you are sore, that means you need yoga more in your life! Even just gentle stretching for 5 minutes counts!

Step 4: Record your yoga practice in your 7 day mind, body, and soul challenge!

Step 5: Keep a consistent practice! It truly is a wonderful feeling being on your mat, in your space, clearing your head, every day. Think of it more as an opportunity rather than a requirement.