It is not easy finding a Yoga for beginners course in the time of COVID-19. Restrictions and closures make it hard for people to take this much-needed opportunity.
Yet, more and more people are looking for ways to relax and unwind through the stress of life, which has been aggravated by the ongoing pandemic. In fact, yoga can be a perfect choice for people who wish to practice social distancing, since it requires an increased sense of mindfulness and personal space.
We are here today to tell you that you do not necessarily need to be in the company of a professional tutor to begin learning yoga. Nowadays, you can actually use a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone and learn Yoga for beginners on your own.
Origins of Yoga
Originating in the Indian culture as a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline that requires work on both the spiritual and the physical. It is believed to have originated in northern India over 5,000 years ago.
During the last few decades, Yoga has been widely recognized around the world for its relaxing effects.
Yoga's name is derived from the Sanskrit root Yuj, which means to 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. This is manifested in the practice's focus on uniting the breath, the body, and the mind.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga can be practiced by most people, regardless of gender or age. Moreover, people with certain health conditions can also use some Yoga positions to relieve their pains, after consulting with their doctors.
If you want to learn Yoga for beginners, chances are you have heard about the many gains and the positive impact it leaves on yogis once they practice it regularly.
Physically, yoga is believed to have major positive effects on the body, including but not limited to;
1. Boosts muscle and bone strength.
2. Increases individual's flexibility.
3. Maintains metabolism levels.
4. Reduces weight.
5. Improves energy.
6. Strengthens heart functions.
7. Maximizes lungs capacity.
Meanwhile, Yoga is also great for mental health, as people who practice it on a regular basis report feeling more calm and composed. They also manage to find a better sense of clarity and purpose of life, as controlling their thoughts and breaths through Yoga helps them achieve a higher sense of self-awareness and blocks self-destructive thoughts.
Many studies have found correlations between practicing yoga and having a strong immune system. The routine practice of Yoga is also often cited as a natural supporter of sleep. All of these benefits often encourage people to start learning Yoga as beginners.
Learn Yoga for Beginners
Want to become a Yogi? Luckily, it is not that hard. As a beginner, you can start with a few basic positions before expanding into more advanced ones.
Here, we list some of the easiest and most popular Yoga positions that can be practiced by most individuals.
Reminder: If you suffer from certain health conditions that could be affected by some of these positions, it is ALWAYS a good idea to consult your doctor beforehand.
Basic Yoga Poses To Try as a Beginners
While you take a look at the following list, which includes some of the most popular poses to help start you off with Yoga, it is important to focus on breathing activity, holding air in for 10-second breaths (x3 times for each pose).
Are you ready for this crash course on how to "Learn Yoga for Beginners"? Here we go.
1. Easy Pose
As you can tell from its name, this pose is the easiest and most popular Yoga one. When beginner Yogis think of Yoga, they often have this pose in mind. It is a good one to start with since it prepares the body, the mind, and the lungs by stretching, paving the way for a number of other poses.
Starting with this pose is a great first attempt to learn Yoga for beginners.
2. Cat-Cow Stretch
Here is another pose that can be quite easy to learn Yoga for beginners. In this pose, yogis get to stretch most parts of their bodies, which helps in relieving stress as well as lower back pain.
Muscles of the hips, back, abdomen and chest also get some action during this pose.
3. Downward Facing Dog
Before you continue with the list that is supposed to help you "Learn Yoga for Beginners", please double-check with a professional or a physician, especially if you have existing health conditions.
This pose is supposed to help arms and legs gain more strength over time, while it stretches the shoulders, the hands, and both feet.
4. Tree Pose
The tree pose requires a lot of balance but is easy to achieve. It helps promote endurance and concentration and improves legs and hips strength.
5. Cobra Pose
Also known as the Upward Facing Dog Pose, this one stretches the chest and lungs, in addition to the shoulders and helps relieve stress and fatigue.
