Are you ready to embark on your yoga journey? This massively popular activity could present a huge array of benefits. Before you take your first class, however, there’s a handful of things that you should know. Here’s what you can expect:
1. You may not be super flexible at first (but that’s okay!)
When you first give yoga a shot, there’s one crucial thing that you should understand. Beginners tend not be as flexible as the rest of the class. The people around you have had much more time to practice and work on their flexibility.
While it may be tempting to try to mimic the pros, you shouldn’t do so. Know your limits and don’t try to push yourself too hard. While this activity is relatively safe, yoga injuries are common in older people. Take things slow and go at your own pace.
2. Transitioning into different poses can be tricky
While each yoga class is unique, they all share one commonality; they all involve transitioning from one position to another. If you’ve never attempted this before, you may be in for a surprise. It is far more difficult than many people expect.
If you find it tricky to move swiftly into new positions, investing in a quality wrist support could help. This sports gear ensures that moving from one stance to another is smooth and pain-free.
3. You may feel super energized afterward
Most people are under the impression that yoga relaxes you and keeps you calm. While that is true, an unexpected side effect of this activity is a swift boost in energy.
Recent research has suggested that participating in just 25 minutes of yoga or meditation per day can improve your brain function and increase your energy levels. Don’t panic if you can’t commit to practicing once a day. Just do as much as you can when you first start out.
4. It could also improve your mood
Don’t be surprised if you walk out of class feeling content. The physical benefits of yoga are widely reported, but what about the impact that this activity has on your mental wellbeing? One study suggests that yoga can not only increase happiness levels but also help alleviate anxiety.
The reason is that yoga helps to promote the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain. That chemical helps to regulate your nerve activity, controlling anxious feelings and promoting joy and calmness.
5. Everyone can benefit from yoga
If you’re under the impression that yoga is not for you, you’re wrong. Everyone – old and young – can benefit from this practice. Once you start attending classes and practicing at home, you will start to reap the rewards.
While most people feel nervous when they take on a new activity, you needn’t worry. Your instructor should take you through the poses at a pace that suits you so you can learn as you go. Why not try it today?
