If you're looking for a more traditional approach to learning yoga, consider taking a class at a local studio. This is a great way to get started because you'll have the opportunity to learn from a qualified instructor and get hands-on help with your yoga poses. Our guide linked here, will show you everything you need to know for your first in-person class.
Find a good resource and learn the basics
Lucky for you, you've already found one of the best resources on the web - Triangle Yoga! Here you can find a collection of different workouts for different situations. Whether it's a rest day at home, a quick 20-minute session while traveling, or a full high-intensity workout.
If you want to take a look at some other great resources, we have those linked at the bottom of this article. Otherwise, our database of poses shows you how to do each pose step by step. Detailed photos and videos are included along with cues to help you perfect the pose.
Learn the physical, mental, and spiritual sides to yoga
If you want to become dedicated to the practice then learning all the ins and outs of yoga is a must. At minimum, understanding the mental aspect is crucial to making consistent progress and getting an ROI on the time spent practicing.
Regardless of whether you choose to learn the spiritual side, tying together the physical and mental aspects of yoga is essential for yogis of all skill levels.
Becoming proficient at yoga requires a dedication to learning the foundational poses, proper breathing techniques, mastering the mind body connection, and a consistent, directed practice.
Reach out and ask for help when needed
The difficult part of learning on your own is that you may not know where you need help or more information. This is especially true for poses, which can be tricky to get the hang of without an instructor around to help.
If you're having trouble with a particular pose, don't be afraid to reach out. There are plenty of online resources available, and many yogis are happy to offer helpful tips. Just be sure to research any advice you receive before trying it out in class.
Always learn and continue to revise your beliefs
There are many different philosophies out there about yoga. It is important to keep an open mind as you learn and explore what works best for you. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to every single issue you may encounter and the same is true with yoga.
Something that may work for someone else, may not work for you and vice versa. Practice, explore, revise, and find out what's best for you and your body.
You may find that your beliefs about yoga change as you continue your practice. That's perfectly normal! Just be sure to stay true to yourself and don't let anyone else dictate how you should feel about yoga.
Utilize a mirror or your phone to evaluate your form
One of the most difficult things about practicing yoga at home is not having someone there to help you with your form. Use your phone to take video so you may self-evaluate. Additionally, if you reach out to online forums or instructors, this will give me a first-hand look at how you're doing.
Another great way to check your form is by setting up a mirror. There's a reason yoga studios have mirrors on 2 or 3 of the walls. It makes it easy for students to get immediate feedback on their form and see how the instructor is performing the pose from all angles.
Consistency beats perfection
The most important thing to remember is that consistency beats perfection. It's better to practice yoga 3-5 times per week for 20-30 minutes than it is to do one long, perfect session once a week.
This is because the more you practice, the better you'll feel while doing yoga and the more benefits you'll experience. So, if you're just starting out, or even a long term practitioner, don't worry about being perfect. Just focus on being consistent and the rest will fall into place.
If you're not feeling like doing a session for the day, try the 2-minute rule. Try just doing one or two poses for 2 minutes. That's it. If after you start, you don't want to continue, that's okay. Focus on getting things right for the next day.
Tips for being consistent and learning yoga at home faster
Establish a routine
As self-explanatory as it sounds, a consistent routine is key when learning how to do yoga at home.
The best way to establish a routine is by setting designated days and times for your practice, and then sticking to them as much as possible.
Find a yoga class or instructor that you like
While you can technically learn yoga without ever taking a class, it may be helpful to find an instructor or online class that you really connect with.
This will make it more likely that you'll stick to your practice and continue learning.
Really focus in on your practice
When it's time to do yoga, only do yoga. Turn off the TV and do not focus on anything other than doing yoga. This is part of the mental side of the practice. It is possible to have a subpar session at best if you fail to remove the distractions in your environment.
Yoga requires no flexibility
Don't get discouraged if it's difficult in the beginning. Remember, yoga requires no athletic ability! Just focus on being consistent and you'll start to see results in no time.
Start with a basic class
If you're brand new to yoga, it's important to start with a basic class. A beginner's class will teach you the foundations of yoga and how to perform the different poses.
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more advanced classes. Some beginners choose to attend both online and in-person classes. With unlimited access to online resources, a new practitioner can get up to speed quickly on certain poses and different styles, then sharpen those poses up in-person.
At-Home Yoga for Pregnant Women - Prenatal Yoga
Pregnancy can make it difficult to get to an in-person class and get the most out of it. Online prenatal classes offer pregnant women a way to continue their practice at home during pregnancy. A list of resources for expecting mothers is included below
Best Apps for Learning Yoga
Best Online Yoga Forums
FAQ
What are some good resources for learning yoga at home?
Https://TriangleYoga.com/ is an excellent resource for learning the basics and getting started with a regular practice. The information on the site is free to access and covers a variety of topics. Reddit's "yoga" subreddit is also a great source of information.
What are the benefits of learning yoga at home?
Convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. Additionally, learning yoga at home can help you establish and maintain a consistent practice.
How can I make sure I'm practicing correctly?
Use a mirror to check your form, otherwise, take a video of yourself with your phone and ask for critique online. Join a local yoga studio or community group to get in-person feedback as well.
I'm not flexible, can I still do yoga?
Yes! You don't need to be flexible to do yoga. The whole point is to increase your joint range of motion and muscle flexibility through the practice.
Is it necessary to have a lot of space to practice yoga at home?
No it is not. You will need sufficient space above and around your yoga mat to comfortably practice. The average living room will typically suffice as long as furniture can be moved.
Can I practice with other people online or in person?
Yes! There are many online yoga communities and forums where you can find people to practice with virtually. You can also find local meetups and groups to join in person.
SterlingHotYogaOnDemand.com is excellent place to start learning online.
In Summary
There are many different ways to learn yoga and get the most out of this amazing, health-promoting practice. You can find free videos, watch tutorials online, purchase DVD's, or take online courses.
There are even some great apps that can help you learn yoga at your own pace.
The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and that you can stick with. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to get you started on your yoga journey.
