Beginner Yoga: Starting a Yoga Practice

August 22, 2024 Daniel Clement

Author: Daniel Clement

Starting a Yoga Practice

In this article we will cover:

How I started yoga
Why the Asanas were important to me
What led me to becoming a Yoga Teacher
The value of a consistent practice
Frequently Asked Questions

My Introduction to Yoga

I began my practice of hatha yoga in the 1990’s with Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. At that time in Vancouver, B.C. there were few yoga studios. We practiced Mysore-style: a self-led practice done early in the morning, while receiving strong physical adjustments from the teacher. This form of yoga with an emphasis on building strength and the development of a personal practice was very helpful as a new practitioner of yoga. However, we moved through the same set of postures daily without really breaking down what each pose was meant to do, how to apply proper alignment within each pose, or how to adapt the practice to the individual.

Guide to Yoga for Beginners

Yoga Asanas

A flowing style of yoga, or Vinyasa Yoga, often follows a set series of postures. Yoga practice based on proper alignment moves more slowly and has the avantange of allowing the practitioner to really understand each pose and therefore feel the effects of each posture and notice areas of weakness or tightness in the body. With this emphasis on mindfulness, the practice of yoga becomes an opportunity to not only strengthen and become more flexible, but to heal.

Benefits of a Yoga Practice

I began practicing yoga at home instead of trekking to the early morning Mysore-style classes. My chronic low back pain which had been somewhat ameliorated by Vinyasa Yoga practice now completely disappeared - I’d learned how to decompress the vertebrae in my low back by applying lengthening techniques in specific postures such as Downward Dog. I continued to explore other variations of practice, adding meditation, yin yoga and deep relaxation via yoga nidra - a guided relaxation technique.

Becoming a Yoga Teacher

After 3 years of daily practice I had an opportunity to take a short yoga teacher training with David Swenson - a popular Ashtanga Yoga teacher. It began to dawn on me that what I’d learned through my own self practice of alignment-based yoga and the necessary discipline I cultivated to heal my low back pain could be offered to others: I could become a yoga teacher. Opportunities began to present themselves from corners I would never have considered while simultaneously my regular job at that time was becoming less and less tenable.

Change is by nature unpredictable. Over the next few years of teaching yoga for beginners in Vancouver yoga studios as well as my own home yoga studio, yet another opportunity presented itself: I was asked to lead a yoga teacher training in Shanghai, China. This moment had the effect of crystallizing my up-until-then somewhat scattered yoga knowledge base. I wanted to offer the teachers in training an overview of yoga styles and benefits, so they could create an appropriate yoga pracitce for themselves, whether that be a dynamic vinyasa style, a slow and meditative yin yoga practice, or practice to simply develop a comfortable seat for meditation. I wrote my first yoga teacher training manual as I taught the training.

Importance of Consistency

If I have any advice to give to someone considering beginning a yoga practice, I’d say start today. There are vast beginners yoga series available online and in print, but try to start short and simple. Decide on a time of day for your practice, a duration, and an emphasis (relaxation, strengthening, mucular elongation for example). Try one of the foundational poses such as triangle pose or downward dog. Reflect on the form of the pose, how it feels in your body, and what is easy or hard for you. These considerations will help to clarify your desires and ignite the will to continue. Good luck.

-Daniel Clement-

Q: What are the best yoga poses for beginners?

A: Some of the best yoga poses for beginners include Mountain Pose, Downward Facing Dog, Child’s Pose, Cobra Pose, and Savasana. These poses are suitable for beginners and help build a strong foundation for your yoga journey.

Q: What type of yoga is good for beginners?

A: Hatha yoga and Restorative yoga are two types of yoga that are particularly good for beginners. These styles focus on basic yoga poses and alignment, making them easier to learn how to re-charge and practice regularly.

Q: What are the benefits of yoga for beginners?

A: It's very individual, but the benefits of yoga for beginners include improved flexibility, increased strength, better posture, stress reduction, and enhanced mental clarity. Regular yoga practice can also promote overall well-being and mindfulness.

Q: Can I practice yoga at home?

A: Absolutely, you can practice yoga at home using yoga videos for beginners. There are many online resources, including yoga apps and YouTube channels, that provide guided sessions suitable for beginners. However, nothing beats in-person classes when you ifnd the right one!

Q: What yoga tips should beginners keep in mind?

A: Beginners should focus on proper alignment, listen to their bodies, and use props like yoga blocks or straps if needed. It's also important to practice breathing techniques, such as pranayama, to enhance your yoga experience. And that your pose does not need to look like the photos we see online.

Q: How do I get started with morning yoga?

A: To get started with morning yoga, set aside 20 minutes each morning to follow beginner yoga videos. Choose a quiet space, use a yoga mat, and start with basic yoga poses to warm up your body.

Q: What is Savasana and why is it important?

A: Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose, is a resting pose typically practiced at the end of a yoga class. It is important because it allows the body to relax, integrate the benefits of the practice, and calm the mind.

Q: What is the Downward Facing Dog pose and how do I do it?

A: Downward Facing Dog is a common yoga pose that strengthens the entire body. To do it, start on your hands and knees, lift your hips up and back, and straighten your legs while pressing your palms into the mat. This pose stretches the spine and legs, making it great for beginners.

Additional yoga teacher trainings, courses & workshops we have offered include: