Meditation, relaxation, and peace. All words associated with yoga. Many yoga practicers describe yoga as calming, soothing, and relaxing.

But newcomers such as myself may have different words to describe the exercise. After taking one class, I was drenched with sweat, muscles sore, and felt very inadequate. But those 5-10 minutes of meditation at the end of the grueling exercise was well worth the 50 minutes of uncomfortable stretching and poses that came before it. Although daunting, I was encouraged to take another classes where I can see how yoga can help keep one’s body, mind, and soul healthy and strong. 

Yoga may look easy from the outside looking in, but don’t be fooled. The poses and stretches, along with a long breathing pace, will get you sweating. This will help tone muscles and even slim down fat. Yoga may not be enough to count as a full day’s exercise, but it’s a great way to tone and stretch.

Most yoga places also put on music to sooth and relax the class. Personally, I love this and even found a YouTube video that I can listen to at home for my own personal yoga sessions.

Meditation keeps the mind clear, giving room for your soul to destress and relax. Focusing on the movements, poses, and breathing will help newcomers get accustomed to yoga and its benefits. 

Not sure about whether yoga is your thing? Here are some of my favorite poses you can try at home on a yoga mat or some carpet to see if you’d like to go into a yoga class and try it out! I highly recommend playing the music above to really get in the mood...

Downward Dog

Lay on your stomach and go into a plank position on your hands, then shift your weight up into the position with your butt in the air, forming a point like a triangle. This pose stretches your legs and hips. This pose is a very common pose in yoga that also leads into other poses. 

Warrior 1

From standing position, place your foot forward and with your back leg extended behind you and your front knee bent. Make sure your back foot is flat and pointed outwards close to a 60-degree angle. Raise your hands above your head and you are in Warrior 1. Warrior poses get more and more advanced, so learning how to breathe and be comfortable in Warrior 1 will help as you progress. 

Child’s Pose

Probably my favorite pose, rest on your knees and bring your upper body down so that your chest is resting close to your knees and your head almost touching the floor. You may also extend your arms and reach to fully stretch your back. 

Cobra

Lay on your stomach and place your hands, palms facing down, next to your chest and lift up, stretching your abdomen. This is not just a great pose but it’s a wonderful stretch for your abs and back after different workouts. Make sure not to place your full weigh on your hands and instead use your back and abs to lift yourself up. 

Tree

From standing position, lift up your knee and place the bottom on your foot on your inner thigh of the opposite leg. You can then raise your hands above your head, or raised to your sides, or place them near your heart in a prayer stance. Balance is key for this pose and will help you find your center for other poses. 

These are essential poses to master in yoga and lay down the foundation for more advanced moves. They also serve as a great introduction for beginners and newcomers. 

But most of all, don’t forget to breathe and relax. Happy meditation to you all. Namaste.