Yoga has been gaining a steady following for the last several years, and it might have caught your eye. Now you find yourself wondering how to get started. The good news is that yoga is an easy exercise to get into, and there are several ways to get into it. Your comfort level is going to shape the beginning of your practice, and the flexibility of yoga will let you continue to shape into what works best for you. There is not a lot of equipment that you need; when you start, all you need is a set of clothes, like these and a mat. In fact, if you are going to a studio or have a soft carpet, you do not even really need the mat.
In Studio
Many different gyms and yoga studios offer introductory packages. These are a great way to give yoga a try. It lets you test out your practice, and it also helps you find a studio and instructor that fits you. Studios are great resources, and the instructors can be very helpful. Introductory classes are going to be geared towards yoga newbies, like yourself. The poses will be less advanced, with the goal of introducing you to the mindset and feeling of yoga. The instructors of beginner classes are well aware that many of their students are new and are going to provide hands on instruction to make sure you are learning all you can. It can also introduce you to new people, who are also interested in what yoga can add to their lives.
At Home Instruction
While the comradery and hands on instruction might be what you are looking for, many other people can find the social aspect intimidating. This is not going to hold you back. There are DVDs, podcasts, and online video all over the internet that can guide you through a beginner practice. With all the content available to you, you can spend some time finding the source that speaks to you the best. This is an important step because yoga practice is such an individual thing and finding a reliable and relatable source will help grow you. Video and podcast led yoga have a very low cost of entry, as most of these are free to watch. With access to these videos you can begin your practice in the comfort of your own home.
Your own personal comfort level is going to determine if a studio environment or a home-based environment is the best place to start your practice. A classroom setting can provide a social experience, as well as give you hands on instruction and feedback. However, it can be expensive just to try it out, and the social aspect can be somewhat daunting. Home based practices are an alternative, with low cost and no pressure. Guides on a number of internet platforms can be found to help you through as your practice grows. There are positives to both, and it is recommended that you utilize both as your practice grows.
There is something missing from these, the human connection. However, you may find that as you practice, your confidence rises enough so a studio is not so overwhelming.