Before you begin a new sport or activity, you'll probably feel excited, maybe a bit apprehensive, but in most cases, raring to get started. Now's a good time to put on the brakes. Until you have researched an activity in which you'd like to be involved, it's unwise to go forward. Even yoga, which seems to be a safe activity, has a number of guidelines that beginners should heed and long-time practitioners should review from time to time.
Buy the Proper Mat
It used to be that you could only procure a yoga mat from a yoga studio which had a few items of clothing, yoga blocks, straps and mats for sale. Now, almost every department store offers yoga mats in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. But picking a mat for color or design will not guarantee you have a safe and beneficial practice. Yoga mats need to be of the "sticky" variety in order for you maintain a secure footing without slipping. And for you eco-warriors, a number of companies, including ones that have online shopping portals, offer a selection of mats made from natural materials.
What to Wear
The style of yoga you practice will help you determine what to wear. For Hatha and Kundalini yoga, loose cotton tops and pants would be appropriate. But for styles like Ashtanga, also known as "power" yoga, you might be wise to pick tops and leggings that hug your body. You'll be transitioning from pose to pose quickly, and you don't want to trip over your own pant leg. For "hot," or Bikram, yoga classes that are practiced in rooms heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, wear as little as possible and preferably items made from material that will wick away the sweat.
Eating and Drinking
Try to finish eating a meal at least two hours before a class. A number of poses require you to bend forward from your waist, twist or be upside down and having an empty stomach will be more comfortable. Unless you are taking a hot yoga class, where drinking water is not only advisable, but in some cases mandatory -- especially for pregnant women or those with other health concerns -- try not to take more than a few sips during class. If you do need to eat something before class, have a little yogurt or some seeds about 30 minutes before you begin.
When to Practice
If you're an early riser, then you might choose to practice yoga right after you wake up in the morning. Remember, though, that your limbs will be stiff and to take care until you feel limber. Many people choose to practice yoga in the afternoon, spending their pent-up energy after sitting at a desk all day. If you're practicing at night before bed, you might want to consider a yoga practice that contains restorative, soothing poses that will not compromise a good night's sleep.
What Style to Practice
Everything about your yoga practice will be based on what's best for you. And that's especially true when it comes what style of yoga to do. Hatha yoga is considered a beginner's yoga. Ironically, it was also the style that was in vogue for most of yoga's 5,000-year history. Styles like Ashtanga and Bikram yoga, which are considered more strenuous, are comparatively new, only becoming popular in the last half of the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively. Kundalini yoga is a blend of movement and chanting, while Iyengar yoga focuses on proper alignment with the help of props. Research each style and choose one that is right for your age, temperament, fitness level and health condition.
Safety Tips
Don't push past your limits. Men are typically less flexible than women and tend to push themselves to achieve a pose on the first try. You have to respect your level of flexibility and overall fitness level in order to avoid injury. Menstruating and pregnant women are advised not to perform any inverted pose. If you suffer from a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before beginning a yoga practice. In almost every case, there will be a style or at least poses you can do with the help of a certified and qualified yoga instructor.
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