Starting something new for the first time can be a daunting and overwhelming concept. As with anything new, it can be worrying to know whether you’re doing something right or wrong or whether you’re feeling the benefits or not.
However, the benefits of yoga are unparalleled when it comes to reducing stress, anxiety and changing our lives to a happier and healthier outlook which is why I recommend it to everyone so highly.
So, where can you start and what you can do to get into this wonderful world of yoga? In short, you can sign up for a class in your local area. Since the boom of yoga, there are countless classes you can sign up for, regardless of where you are in the world.
Whether it’s through your local gym or a freelance instructor, there is a tonne of options that are available to you. However, if you’re confidence isn’t enough to join a class yet, here are three yoga poses you can try yourself at home to get you into the swing of things.
#1 – Mountain Pose
By far one of the easiest poses to practice is the mountain pose. This is a pose that is perfect for beginners and will typically start, end and be a transition pose when practising a yoga routine.
Some of the benefits of this pose include enhanced posture, muscle building in your knees, ankles and thighs and improves your balance and stability.
All you need to do is the stand up straight while reaching your arms above your head, really stretching upwards by pointing all your fingers. Be sure to make sure your shoulders are relaxed and not hunched.
Now, breath steadily while reaching for the heavens for a minute or two and that’s the pose!
#2 – Warrior Pose
The warrior pose is by far one of the most positively effective poses you can perform. This pose is great for developing muscles in your legs, hips, arms and shoulders as well as your chest if performed in a certain way.
Although these are the main beneficial areas, this is an easy pose in which your whole body is worked, and even your mind once you’re in the pose and focused on your breathing.
For this pose, stand up straight with some distance in front and behind you. Move your left foot out in front of you, like a lunge, and point your left foot slightly inwards. Now move your right foot at a 90° angle.
Place your hands on your hips and relax your shoulders as much as you can. Ensure that your left thigh is directly over your ankle at a 90° angle, or as close as you can get, making sure both feet are firmly planted on the floor.
Stay in this position for a minute before switching over to your other foot and doing the same again.
#3 – The Twisted Seat Pose
This is a highly beneficial pose you can practice that helps you to stay calm while improving your blood circulation in your body. It’s also great for improving your posture.
All you need to do for this pose is sit on the floor (hard surface) and extend your legs out in front of you. Move your right leg and cover up your left knee with it, making sure your right knee points up towards the roof.
Now position your left elbow against your right knee and gently push into it. Place your right hand behind you flat onto the floor.
Now twist around with the aim of looking directly over your right shoulder (in the same direction as). Hold this pose for one minute before swapping over and practising on the other side.