Yoga: A Beginner’s Guide
For those who have never tried yoga, stepping into a studio can seem intimidating. There may be words and phrases used that you’ve never heard of. In a group setting, everyone else might move through the poses without breaking a sweat, while you are struggling to simply stay on your feet.
As far as exercise goes, yoga may not seem particularly beginner friendly. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. With the right teacher and studio environment, yoga is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Anyone, regardless of their experience, skill level, or physical ability, can take advantage of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that yoga has to offer.
Mount Martha Yoga offers private and semi-private yoga lessons for all ages, all abilities, and all bodies. We welcome everyone from experienced yogis to complete beginners, with the understanding that yoga is a universal practice that transcends all boundaries. If you’re located in the Mornington area and are searching for yoga classes near me, Mount Martha Yoga could be just what you’re looking for.
The history of yoga
Yoga has a long and complex history. There is no one universally accepted origin story, but it is generally understood that the exercise was developed in India around 5000 years ago. The first written mentions of the practice can be found in the Rig Veda, four sacred Hindu texts that were written in Sanskrit and contained songs, mantras, and prayers that were used by priests.
Yoga is a major part of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. However, as it spread throughout the Western world in the 18th and 19th centuries, yoga became less tied to formal religious practice. Many people still practice yoga today as an extension of religion or spirituality, but it is also enjoyed as a secular form of physical activity.
Popular types of yoga
There is no one type of ‘yoga’. The term itself refers to a group of disciplines that are designed to bring about mindfulness through physical and mental exercises.
If you attend a group yoga class at a gym or in a studio, the instructor should explain what type of yoga you will be practising. This is important — while broadly speaking, yoga is accessible, not all types will be suitable for all people.
Some of the most common and popular styles of yoga include:
Vinyasa: Vinyasa yoga is sometimes referred to as ‘flow’ yoga due to the smooth way that the poses run together. Poses are strung together to make a sequence and each pose is synchronised with your breath.
Hatha: Hatha yoga differs from vinyasa yoga in that there is less focus on flow and more on individual poses. The term ‘hatha’ means ‘force’ in Sanskrit. Hatha yoga involves holding individual physical postures that are static in nature.
Restorative: Restorative yoga tends to be more passive and meditative in nature than either vinyasa or hatha. It involves only a handful of poses per session, with an intense focus on mindfulness and the breath.
Bikram: Bikram yoga is perhaps one of the most widely talked about styles of yoga. It’s also known as ‘hot yoga’ and involves moving through 26 postures and two breathing exercises in a room heated up to 41 ℃.
Benefits of yoga
Regardless of the type of yoga you practice, the physical and mental benefits will be largely the same. As is the case with all forms of physical exercise, there have been numerous scientific studies undertaken that back up these claims.
Practising yoga on a regular basis is said to improve your balance and flexibility. It strengthens lean muscle, and depending on what style of yoga you practice, can be a source of cardiovascular exercise.
From a psychological perspective, yoga is linked to reduced stress, increased cognitive ability, and improved sleep.
What to expect from a yoga class
Mount Martha Yoga offers private, semi-private, and corporate yoga classes for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Emily provides her students with a comprehensive understanding of the holistic benefits of yoga, deepening appreciation for this ancient form of exercise.
One of the main advantages of taking a private yoga class is that it provides the opportunity for the instructor to tailor the practice to your abilities. Emily will spend time prior to your first lesson getting to know you, your experience level, and what you are hoping to get out of your yoga practice. This personalised approach is an excellent introduction to yoga and is highly recommended for beginners.
If you’re in the Mornington Peninsula region and are looking for yoga classes near me, contact Mount Martha Yoga today to learn more about Emily, the studio, class options, and how to get started on your yoga journey.
