Hatha Yoga for Beginners

There are many benefits of yoga.  The practice of yoga benefits the body and mind.  Some of these benefits occur after only one class.

Hatha Yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes physical postures that can improve your memory and help improve your attention, and relieves stress.  Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit ha (sun) and Tha (moon).  Hatha is a unifying principle of opposites: the sun and the moon, for example.

Hatha yoga is a good practice for beginners.  All types of yoga are derived from Hatha.  It consists of the basic poses and terminology along with breathing techniques that you will learn and use in their daily practice.

All you need is comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely, a yoga mat, a little water, and you are ready to begin.  You can use other supports, such as blocks or bands that may be useful in certain poses.

There are many types of yoga mats are available from the small, 1/16 inch thick mats to about ¼ inch thick.  They are also made of different materials, of which the most common PVC, which is vinyl.  The most common mat is used, about 1/8 inch thick.  You can buy an eco-friendly mat that does not contain any phthalates, heavy metals or latex.

The first thing you need to be aware of your breathing.  If your instructor advises you otherwise, inhale as you stretch and exhale as you fold or contract.Breathe, keep your posture.  Do not hold your breath.

Ten of the most basic posture you probably know as a beginner are:

Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

Staff Pose (Dandasana)

Cat and Cow (Chakravakasana)

Warrior I (Virabhadrasana)

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Pose shoemaker (Baddha Konasana)

Child's Pose (Balasana)

You can find a description with photos of the item online through various websites and yoga video.  Remember that our bodies are different.  Some of us are more flexible than others.  Some of them are stronger, and some have a greater equilibrium.  Regardless of capacity, improvement comes from practice.  Do not be discouraged if at first you can not do lean forward and touch the floor with straight legs.  The main thing is to do what you are capable of.  I do a little better each time.  That way you will not interfere, and better appreciate and benefit from your practice.