I remember those days when I’d newly started practicing yoga. There was a studio near my home that started giving classes at a time that suited my schedule. And I was happy to try! The first class felt good but it made me so tired that I decided to skip the class next day. Bad decision as it was, my body sore confirmed it to me. But you know I used to fear Downward facing dog pose because my arms, shoulders and even my legs weren’t so strong to keep me going in that pose for even 3 breaths. My instructor used to say “its a resting pose in vinyasa”. Goodness! I thought, waiting to reach Shavasana at the earliest.
Stressing the fact my instructor said – ‘Don’t push yourself if the body is tired’. And I am delighted to have followed the instruction. Slowly I started liking the physical challenges yoga was giving me because before I knew yoga became an everyday thing and attending the class was a satisfaction of a different kind. Body felt stronger and flexible. Mind kept me calm and happy. Who knew yoga will touch me with so much of warm love that I would end up becoming a yoga teacher! Yes, after my first involvement with yoga to till day, yoga has been part of my life. I got myself trained to teach yoga and share its benefits with people around me.
From a beginner to being a qualified instructor, I understand it isn’t easy to get yourself to the mat and spend time doing movements that are uncomfortable and exhausts you. The key is to – Take it slow!
As you and I know that every body type is different, let us NOT force the body to do more than it’s comfortable limit.
Let me suggest you a few ways to make your mat-time interesting if you are a beginner to yoga:
A fitting number 5
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Sit in your most comfortable position (sukhasana or vajrasana) for 5 minutes.
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Try Cat & Cow stretching – 5 breaths
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Easy cobra (Elbows relaxed) – 5 breaths
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Downward Dog – 5 breaths
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Child’s Pose – 5 breaths
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Bridge Pose – 5 breaths
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Happy baby pose – 5 breaths
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Shavasana for 5 minutes
Play some music
Preferably soft music should be the choice made because the pleasing sound in the background increases concentration.
Whatever time you wake up, keep approximately the first 15 minutes of your day for yoga practice. This will leave you fresh and active for rest of the day.
Practice Everyday
If you start devoting few minutes for practice every morning or evening (when mornings for very busy), yoga soon develops to become a healthy habit. So make sure that you practice your yoga moves every single day.
Remember to smile
During the practice remind yourself to smile and see how eased your forehead will be. Smiling is a great way to relax on and off the mat.
When you start enjoying your practice, every pose is achievable. Today I can spend a few minutes in Downward Dog pose 🙂 It indeed is a relaxing pose!
Namaste