Yoga for beginners

Are you new to yoga and don't know the difference from a down-dog and a child's pose? Are you to intimidated to try a new yoga class or even step foot into your first class? Below are some tips on how to find the right yoga class for you and your basic yoga tips.  

Different types of yoga

Hatha 

• Slow paced, gentle and more in tune with your breathe 
• This is a great class if your a beginner as it slowly introduces you to new poses 
• Benefits: Helps you relieve stress, increase flexibility, gives you more range of motion 
• This class can be found at most health clubs 

Ashtanga 

• Fast paced, intense focus on muscle building 
• Improve ones spiritual self 
• This class is recommended for a more experienced yogi as this class can intimidate a newcomer 

Bikram 

• This is a hotter yoga class in which temperatures can reach 95-100 degrees
• It typically involves going through 26 postures 
• Purpose is to flush out toxins & relive muscle tension 
• This class is for both new and experienced yogis it will push and challenge you though.

PiYo

• This class is taught by a handful of teachers (myself included) so is a hard one to find at a yoga studio
• Involves strength, cardio, flexibility
• This is not your typical yoga class it is great for those who get "bored" at regular yoga classes
• You can also find this class online if you google PiYo and can do this class in your living room

Yoga Sculpt

• This class involves hand weights and yoga poses
• The typical class makes you sweat quite a bit as the room is warm and your moving more than you do in other regular classes
• The class can be for beginners just lift lighter weights and take your time with the class don't push yourself if your not used to the heat 

Restorative Yoga

• This class involves holding postures for 1-5 minutes
• This class involves a lot of personal motivation to help you mentally push through the postures 
• It is a great class for everyone.  It involves opening up hips, hamstrings, glutes, shoulders, relieves back tension. 
• I personally think everyone should try and get to 1 of these classes a week 

Basic Yoga Tips

1. Arrive early so you can relax in a meditation pose of your choosing.  Sitting up straight with legs crossed or laying down on your back are the two most common starting poses while you wait for the instructor to arrive. 
2. You don't have to bring your own mat to places but if you go to a speciality yoga location you will need to pay $2-5 to rent a mat for the class.
3. Don't bring your cell phone into class.
4. Don't talk to others around you while your waiting for class to start.  The yogis who are frequent class attenders are usually trying to meditate and will frown at you if your chatting to your neighbor so loudly the whole room knows your weekend plans. 
5. If your going to judge yourself against others sit in the front of the room by the mirror.  You will be forced to focus only on yourself and what your doing in class.
6. If your new to yoga you might want to be towards the back so you can watch what other participants are doing if your not familiar with all the poses yet. 
7. Don't be afraid to sit in child's pose if class gets to hard.  If you feel light headed, can't do a move or just need a break sit down in child's pose.  No one is judging you but you this is your practice and you do what your body tells you it needs. 
8. It is your practice no one else's do what you need to do! 

As always check out www.safiretraining.com for more information and fitness tips!