Yoga at home. Complete beginner, where to start?

[YogaBare]

I have never done it before, I just do not know how to start at all.

Do I definitely need a mat?

A mat is useful as it’s stops you slipping so you hold poses better.

Yoga with Kassandra on you tube is great, I find her better than Adrienne.

Thankyou.

Do you watch as you do it or do you learn then repeat after?

I wonder how people watch the TV during!

Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube designed to be done with her so you watch and copy.
She's got loads of videos and you can choose what you want to work on- losing weight, tone, back ache etc

I also prefer Kassandra to Adrienne, there’s a lot less waffle!

Adrienne is for "beginners" if you are fit and already very supple.
I am fit but not supple and found even her beginner's intro 5 minutes videos excruciating.

I do like her, I quite like the waffle but I agree she's not to everyone's taste.

Personally I think it’s essential to have a teacher if you’re a beginner. You need someone to correct mistakes and adjust your pose. Small things make a big difference.

I really wouldn't be able to go to classes.

You can do one on one sessions. I think that at least 10 sessions of yoga with a teacher would be good as you don’t know what you’re doing and personally I wouldn’t want to risk injury.

Private lessons can be really expensive so that could be prohibitive - if you search YouTube for yoga for absolute beginners there will be loads of free content, and then it's just a question of finding someone you like. I also like Adrienne (and Benji!) but it might take a few tones to find someone that you click with or at least don't find annoying. In terms of form, just do it as slowly as you need and don't be afraid to pause and go back and repeat things.

I started from nowhere following Adrienne on one of her 30 day series. I really liked it as it builds up, and you don't have to do it consecutive days. She also offers plenty of alterations to poses. I like her videos but appreciate they're not for everyone!

I have serious social anxiety so I just couldn't do lessons.

I just want something to do when I wake up and before bed to regulate my day a little.

You definitely need a mat. I like a thick one as it can be quite hard on your hips and knees. I started with Adriene during lockdown and really love her 30 day courses on YouTube. I had done Yoga classes previously so was familiar with the poses, flows etc but they are definitely suitable for beginners

Yes but a one on one session you’re by yourself and the teachers are always good. Teachers can even come to your home.

I don't think you understand social anxiety, it's not based on numbers but interactions. I would not feel comfortable trying something new in the presence of anyone.

I appreciate you trying to help but a 1 on one lesson is my absolute idea of a nightmare and my hearts racing even typing this. A group would almost be better as I could attempt to hide away 😂

There's lots of yoga that is specifically calming and regulating available online.

I'm a yoga teacher and I will have a look online. I quite like Adrienne but she goes a bit quick for me. Somatic yoga is more my thing.

I don't know if you have funds but I love Scottie is fat on Instagram. He has a paid subscription but I like his insights on Instagram. He is about space for people who don't find being in a class so comfortable- as well as other things.

Love yoga with Adriene - here would be a good place to start:

Also, might be worth getting a mat with alignment lines - it might help getting the right posture. e.g.

Core balance mat

I think if that's the case, look up various yoga teachers' tips on adjusting poses, especially if you feel uncomfortable/in pain. It shouldn't be the case with yoga, some lack of comfort is positive in a sense that it's showing you where you are now and you can choose to progress, that is fine. But it is important that you understand when you're overstreching and/or risking injury as well. Yoga isn't competitive, it isn't about going hard on yourself like some other physical exercises. It's about body and mind working together, you develop this after a while. Teachers have really helped me at the beginning, I know what teaching styles I like now. You should try different online teachers IMO and choose one that suits you best OP. Yoga is a personal experience.

I came to say this. The difference is huge. The teacher will show you adaptations etc.

Maybe try to find a zoom yoga teacher for feedback etc?

TV yoga is incomparable to in person yoga I'm afraid.

If you're based in Manchester or Bristol I can recommend some classes built for people with lots of different mental and physical health requirements, they're a really inclusive team from what I've seen and heard.

So it's professional lessons or nothing?

I can't think of any other exercise where people would say that.

But if that's the case then OK, thanks. I guess I'll give it a miss.

I'll look for something else to do at home.

What? Because someone said you have to have one to one lessons with a yoga teacher?

Adrienne is excellent are her 'waffling' includes lots of explanations and modifications for beginners.

Don't give up on doing a really good thing for yourself because someone on the internet 'knows better'. Go for it, you won't regret it @YogaBare

No not really, it's just that if you've literally never ever done it, you can get it really wrong and properly hurt yourself.

I'd say the same of most things, if you're an absolute beginner and you don't want to end up injured and you want to get the most out of it, it helps a lot to have some proper instruction.

www.wonkee.club/

This guy runs the company I mentioned in my second comment, alongside a female instructor who does classes as well. There are online sessions. They also do one off "rest" sessions where you do really nice slow yin yoga and then a guided meditation. Worth the investment. They're good to follow on instagram too.

If you decide to do it at home, the alignment mats might be helpful.

This book is old but might be worth a look:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-Bible-Definitive-Postures-Christina/dp/B00E3FZANK

I used the 7M yoga app for a few years (I go to classes now). There are plenty of programs, lists of various positions and videos telling you how to do each one so you can do them in your own time. I found it pretty good.

The Headspace app also has yoga on it, and I’m sure other similar apps do too.

My yoga studio also offers online classes at the same time as in class, participants connect via Zoom and only the teacher can see them. Might be worth looking into that.

Unless you want carpet burns, I’d recommend a mat! There are also other accessories like bricks, straps etc but if you ask a studio they should be able to tell you what you need.

I've done yoga at home weekly since lockdown. I do a zoom class run by a local studio and watch/listen on my laptop, I don't always watch the screen but I know the teacher well and as long as I can hear her it's fine. I have my own mat and equipment and really enjoy it