YOGA FAQS + STARTING A PRACTICE

The best way to start a yoga practice is simply to start. Forget all the worries and concerns you have about not being flexible enough, or having the right equipment. The more we listen to our fears, the easier it is to let them take control.

“The most important pieces of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind” Rodney Yee

With lots of yoga teachers putting free sequences on YouTube it couldn't be easier to start your yoga practice. To get a taste of it maybe search for something like ‘morning yoga’ or ‘bedtime yoga’ online and have a go with what comes up. You don’t need a mat, or special clothes. Just practice on a soft surface in something comfy!

Although online practices are great it’s a good idea, especially for beginners, to go to a public class. Here the teacher will be able to offer any modifications to poses for any injuries you might have, and ensure you’re practising safely and within your limits. There are so many different styles of yoga, and yoga teachers, it’s a good idea to try out a few different classes to find one that feels right for you. If cost is a factor many studios offer community or donation-based classes, so have a look around online to see what you can find.

The annual Brighton Yoga Festival is also a great place to start your practice as the classes are generally all free. You can try out lots of different styles and teachers to find the best one for you!

Once you’ve started your practice it can feel really good to add a small daily home practice to your routine. This doesn’t need to be long at all; maybe just a couple of full-body stretches, cat-cows, and neck-rolls in the morning. With yoga a little really does go a long way, and you’ll notice the benefits of this daily practice in no time.

 

Be practical! Yoga is not always the gentle activity many think it to be (although it can be). It can be very aerobic and it can get hot. If the class has dynamic, hot, power, astanga, or yoga flow in its name, you are going to sweat! Sports-style clothing – leggings, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, vests, fitted t-shirts – is strongly advised.

It’s best not to wear baggy t-shirts as they will get caught up in a posture and will fall over your face, not only dangerously blocking your vision but – especially in an upside-down pose – baring rather a lot.

Leggings or fitted shorts are really helpful for the teacher to be able to see that your body has the correct alignment.

We don’t wear socks in a yoga class as it could be dangerous. Socks are too slippery and we want to take care of you. Also, it helps to develop the sensitivity in our feet so barefoot is the way to go!