Want to start a regular yoga workout? It could be one of the best decisions you could make to enhance your physical and mental health. Having never taken a yoga pose in my life, I started practicing yoga about seven months ago and found it to be one of the most satisfying things I have ever done for myself. I found that learning yoga became a rewarding journey for toning my body and testing my personal physical and mental limits.

Probably one of the first things that comes to mind when one thinks of yoga is the yoga mat. I waited a couple months before I purchased a mat of my own, opting to use my local fitness center's cushioned mats instead. I'm glad I waited because it enabled me to shop around and check out my options. There are cheap mats and there are expensive ones too.

I say, buy a cheap mat - to start. I found that it's not necessary to purchase the "cadillac" of all yoga mats in order to participate in yoga properly. Actually, some of the cheaper ones are just as good, if not better than the more expensive ones. I suggest buying a mat with lots of traction, commonly called a sticky mat. This will help you maintain your balance and let your body open up into various poses without fearing you might slip and injure yourself. Injuries are not extremely common, but they do happen.

You may want to read a good book about yoga; however, I would not go out and purchase one. I'd simply go to a local library and see if they have any books on yoga you could borrow. My guess is that they do, and you will likely find several choices. Look over the various poses, but I wouldn't stress over trying to perfect your yoga form too early.

It also could be beneficial to wait a few months after you have been practicing yoga before reading anything about it. By doing this, you will be able to keep an open mind, allowing your instructor to help guide you through the basics so you don't learn incorrectly.

If you are not sure whether yoga is for you or not, try joining a local health club that offers basic yoga classes a few times a week. This is how I became interested. If you decide that yoga is not something you like, you can still benefit from other things the facility likely offers.

Like me, if you embrace the art of yoga, you can look around your neighborhood for yoga studios offering beginner to advanced classes. One can usually drop in on a class as a visitor for a discounted rate. Sometimes there are cheaper "community" classes where the instructor is a teacher-in-training. Every community class I have ever been to has been very beneficial.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, try to make time during the week to develop your own yoga routine in your own space at home. Fifteen minutes or so a day can really make a big difference by keeping you toned and in shape as well as motivated and ready for your next class. Remember that anyone can do yoga. It just takes a willing mind and an open heart.

Namaste...

Learn more about this author, Gregory McFeely.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Getting started with Yoga?
We want to hear your view. Write now!