Starting a new type of exercise or fitness class can be daunting at the best of times. However, it can be even more overwhelming if you are out of shape. One of the most beneficial types of exercise in the world is yoga.
Unfortunately, yoga can be one of the scariest types of fitness to get into for people who are not in shape. This is largely because of the image that has been curated through social media of the average yoga student.
Thankfully, you don’t have to avoid yoga if you are out of shape. In this article, we will look at how you can get into this amazing exercise and reap the benefits.
Do You Need To Be Flexible Or In-Shape For Yoga?
When we think of yoga, we are most likely to conjure images of thin, toned, mostly white women in matching workout sets at bougie yoga studios.
Although these might be the most common images that we see online and on social media, that doesn’t mean that they are the only representation of yoga.
The truth is, most people who take up yoga don’t start off particularly limber or flexible. Flexibility is a side effect of regularly practicing yoga.
This means that any beginners class that you attend is going to be filled with other students just as inflexible as you are. Although yoga helps to improve flexibility, it isn’t a quick process. This means that you have to practice it consistently in order to significantly improve your flexibility.
Anyone, no matter their weight or fitness level can be flexible or inflexible. Just as you don’t need to be flexible to begin practicing yoga, you also don’t need to be in shape at all.
One of the best things about yoga is that it is a gentle form of exercise. This means that anyone of any size can do it. In addition to being a gentle way to improve your fitness and flexibility, yoga is also highly modifiable. Therefore, no matter what your personal limitations are, you will be able to get involved in a class and benefit from it.
How To Get Into Yoga
Now that you know that you don’t have to be fit or flexible to do yoga, you might be wondering how you might go about getting into it. Different things are going to work for different people. The most important thing to understand is that everyone finds their own flow with yoga and there is no one right way to do it.
Follow An Online Lesson
As we have mentioned above, it can be incredibly difficult to build up the courage to take up yoga. This is especially true for anyone who considers themselves to be out of shape. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to access yoga instruction.
One of the best ways to get started with yoga if you are nervous is with an online lesson. This can be done from the comfort and privacy of your own home. All you need is access to the internet and a space big enough to stretch in.
There are two different types of online lessons that you can take. The first is the most basic and can be a good option for people who aren’t completely sold on the idea of doing yoga.
There are plenty of classes and guided flows available on sites such as YouTube. These are free to access and range from beginner to advanced.
If you want something more personal or in-depth, you can also pay for online classes that are held live by instructors. These will happen at a scheduled time through platforms such as Zoom. While you don’t have to have your camera on for these classes, it can be helpful for receiving corrections on your form.
Be Consistent
As with any kind of exercise that you want to get into, it is important to be consistent with yoga. You can see so many changes in your body when you practice yoga, but these changes can only be experienced if you do it regularly.
Some of the most common benefits of yoga include increased muscle tone and strength, improved posture, decreased tension and anxiety, and improved flexibility. However, none of these things happen quickly. If you are looking to achieve some of these benefits, you will need to be consistent with your practice.
Getting into a routine with your yoga practice is the best way to ensure that you are going to stick to it. Beginning with practice once a week can be a realistic place to start. You can build up to starting every day with 10 minutes of yoga practice.
Learn Some Self-Love
This one is a lot easier said than done. With that being said, a huge part of yoga is learning to love yourself just as you are. There are many things that we can criticize about ourselves. In fact, it can be incredibly easy to list things that we dislike about ourselves and our bodies.
However, yoga is all about connecting to your body, listening to it, and focusing on how it moves and holds itself. Connecting with your body is much easier when you love your body. There is no denying that this is a difficult thing to do for many people, but that is why yoga is so good.
The more practice yoga, the more in tune with your body you will be. The more in tune you are with your body, the more you will love yourself. The more you love yourself, the more likely you are to stick with your yoga practice and continue the cycle.
Find An Inclusive Class
We mentioned at the beginning of this article that the most common images we see of yoga students are thin, fit men and women. However, this only represents a small percentage of the people that regularly practice yoga.
The majority of yoga classes are filled with a variety of people from all different walks of life and backgrounds. However, it is important that you feel comfortable in a yoga class to get the most out of it. Thankfully, there are plenty of yoga classes that are inclusive and can cater to people of all fitness levels, sizes, and abilities.
Attending an in-person yoga class can be extremely beneficial for beginners as your form can be corrected in real time by a trained instructor. This can help prevent injury and improve your practice in general.
Final Thoughts
Yoga is a brilliant exercise that is perfect for people of all abilities and levels of fitness. The accessibility of this exercise is largely a result of the gentle nature of the movement. You can use this to improve your fitness as well as plenty of other health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite being such a gentle exercise, yoga is a great option for getting in shape. Holding the different poses helps to tone your muscles and improve your strength.
Something that is perhaps more surprising for some people is that yoga can be a great choice for losing weight. Getting in touch with your body helps you to love it more and make better, healthier choices.
I created this website to help newcomers to yoga and enthusiasts alike, and to share our common passions for yoga.
- Ultimate Guide to Yoga Strap Stretching: 12 Poses for Flexibility - September 15, 2023
- Phalakasana or Kumbhakasana – Plank Pose - September 13, 2023
- All About Iyengar Poses: Beginner to Advanced Guide - September 11, 2023
