Yoga 101: My Beginner's Guide To Getting Started!

I am definitely not an expert in the area of yoga. One of the things my doctor always says to me when I visit for my annual physical is that I need to do more to remove stress from my life. She recommends things like stretching, massages, and yoga classes! I love massages, but felt incredibly clueless when it comes to yoga.

When I decided to start incorporating yoga into my life, I approached it from a Yoga 101 perspective. Here are some helpful tips on how I introduced myself to the wonderful world of yoga.

1. Find classes that are right for you, and geared to your comfort level.

I have heard great things about hot yoga, but the thought of sweating through a yoga class in a hot room makes me nauseous! If you are new to yoga, do some research, and find a few great yoga studios in the city you live in.

Many of the studios offer introduction classes, or packages that offer you with an opportunity to try several classes at a reduced fee, for a limited period of time. This allows you to find classes that you enjoy and are most comfortable with.

I have taken a few classes in the past, but never had a set routine, or attended classes on a regular basis. Here are a few of the classes I have tried to develop a better understanding of yoga for myself:

• Yoga Basics - This class is great for beginners, and allows you to practice yoga at a moderate rate, while improving your overall strength and flexibility. It also helps you develop an understanding of basic yoga postures.
• Hour Flow - Flow helps you get through a varied sequence of active and standing floor postures. What I like about this class is that the emphasis is placed on deep breathing, strength building, and a lot of fun! This is a winning combination for me.
• CoreFlow Yoga - This class is a solid hour of fluid core work! In this class, you play hard, sweat, and build core strength, without having to do endless sit-ups or crunches (which I am not a fan of).

Another option is to try free classes, where available. I live in Kitchener, and there is a great option called Yoga In The Park. Every Wednesday and Sunday, Victoria Park offers a free outdoor class, in collaboration with Queen Street Yoga. These classes are beginner friendly, and open to people of all ages.

One of the websites I have used to find great deals on yoga classes is Groupon. Groupon is a fantastic place to find deals, and you can tailor the site to find options specifically for your area. I can't tell you how many amazing deals I have scooped up here.

There are always several deals on Groupon for yoga classes. For people who are unsure where to begin in the world of yoga, and are looking for a great price on classes, make sure to add your email address to their mailing list. You'll receive emails for deals on a variety of classes!

2. Invest in some useful yoga equipment and accessories.

You don't need to spend a fortune to practice yoga, but you should invest in a few good accessories for your classes. I definitely recommend a good yoga mat and bag to carry your water bottle, and other personal items. Personally, I like Gaiam Canada's 5mm Premium Reversible Yoga Mat - Be Free. It's large, comfortable, and I can mix up the colours and flip it over for a nice change. The patterns are different on both sides, and the mat itself is extra thick, which offers added cushioning and support.

For yoga newbies like myself, the textured, 'sticky' non-slip surface is great, as it helps to keep me in place, no matter what pose I am trying to execute. Another bonus of this mat is that it is made of PVC, and without the six most harmful phthalates. As a result, this mat is a healthier choice for both you and the planet.

I am always running to something, whether it's a workout class or appointments. I love Gaiam Canada's Metro Gym Bag, because it's perfect for holding all my personal items, and it's also super stylish! It also has a cinch cord at the underside of the bag to hold your yoga mat. I use it all the time for day trips to the city, and it has multiple pockets to hold anything you need to take long for yoga classes, appointments, or events!

If you are like me, you aren't 100% flexible, and can get sore after attempting to manoeuver your body in multiple poses! To get rid of aches and kinks, I use the Restore by Gaiam Deep Tissue Foam Roller. This is an amazing item, as it's designed to work deep layers of tissue, while withstanding repeated use. It also stimulates blood flow, targeting and soothing your aches faster.

When I started taking yoga classes, I was very sore, and this item was a huge game changer for me. It helped target my sore spots much faster, and get through the pain quickly. I highly recommend using this after a yoga class or run!

No matter what type of yoga class you sign up for, it's important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer weather! A water bottle is a must, so that you stay properly hydrated, and don't suffer from dehydration.

Another item I find extremely useful is a yoga mat spray. After a sweaty class, it's nice to give my mat a few sprays, to avoid any unwanted odours. I keep it in my bag, along with the rest of my personal items. I found mine at well.ca, but there are plenty of other stores that carry this item. My spray smells amazing, and also doubles as a pretty great room spray!

3. Dress comfortably, and in clothing that allows you to stretch properly, and lets your skin breathe through the sweat!

As much as I love Lululemon, those outfits can be pretty expensive! I found a great brand called Hyba, available exclusively at Reitmans. It's very cute, and super affordable. I sweat through my runs and workouts, and knew that I would need clothing that allows my skin to breathe, and lets me stretch properly during my sessions.

I picked up some great pieces that are great for yoga and running, so I didn't have to spend tons of money on multiple outfits. One thing to remember is make sure your clothes aren't too tight. You need to be able to move and stretch. If you're like me, you like to look cute while you're working out! Hyba has some incredible pieces in a variety of styles and colours. Check them out online, or at a Reitmans store near you.

Yoga is a wonderful way to stretch, find your inner zen, and help you relax. It's also a fantastic way to increase strength, balance, stamina and flexibility, as well as reduce stress. I hope you find these tips useful, and that you give yoga a try. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy the benefits of yoga. Good luck, and Namaste! 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, but was provided with my Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat, and Metro Gym Bag. All of the opinions expressed are entirely my own.