Welcome to the world of yoga! Some may think of yoga as easy, restful stretches, while others may think of yoga as bends and twists.
Yoga can be all that and more.
Asana, or poses/postures, can be catered based on your goals. You can have an invigorating flow, a strengthening drill-based class, active stretches, or calmness through meditation — the options are endless.
So yes, yoga can be simple poses or advanced inversions, but it is more than that. It is the culmination of mental, physical, and spiritual practices that intend to bring the mind and body together to help you stay present and grounded.
How to start the physical practice of yoga
For the intention of mindful movement, increasing flexibility and mobility/active range, let’s discuss how to get started with the asana aspect of yoga.
If you’re feeling shy: recorded online classes
When starting something new, most people feel embarrassed if they’re completely lost in class. While fitness is meant to be a judgement-free zone, we completely understand the hesitation there. It can be scary!
If you’d like to get a feel of a yoga class with nobody watching, you can explore online classes from home.
Ganbaru Method has a yoga class library for you to explore a range of classes, from stretch and meditation to flow and strength. There’s also a dedicated tutorial section for you to learn foundational poses step by step.
It is run by Carissa (@movewithcarissa), our yoga teacher and mobility coach who believes in movement for all, finding unique variations that suit your body, and building body awareness and control so you can do anything.
The key when practicing yourself is to focus on going slowly and staying safe. Build up to each pose so you can try to maintain proper engagement and form.
Tip: People often get sore wrists and shoulders as they’re not used to loading them for an extended time in such positions, so ease into it!
If you want personalized guidance: 1-on-1 classes
If you’d like to keep things private and not be in a group class, but don’t quite feel comfortable practicing all by yourself, you can engage a yoga teacher for 1-on-1 training. This means you’ll get the same flexibility of planning according to your schedule, but with the added benefit of customizing the class based on your needs, level, and mood that day.
Tip: Consider whether you click with your teacher, whether your teacher specializes in your goals, and whether you’d like to do in-studio private classes, home visits, or online sessions.
If you want ambience and energy: studio classes
There’s lots to love about heading down to a yoga studio and immersing yourself for an hour (or more!).
No phones and distractions mean no switching to a different tab from home, clicking out of a class, or skipping trickier poses!
Not only can it help you get out of your usual headspace by being in a physically different environment, but you can also feel the buzz of excitement through group classes. It’s a great way to make new friends too.
Tip: Try visiting a studio that has fewer mats per class. This way, you’ll be able to get more hands-on help and personalized tips, like you would in a private class!
If you crave structure: programs
Another way to take it online is through programs. This means learning yoga-based movements but performing them in sets and reps, more like a workout than a yoga flow.
This is a great option for those who find flows too fumbly and would just like to get things done.
Ganbaru Method has yoga-based programs, as well as flexibility and mobility programs if that’s more up your alley.
Try yoga for free
You can try all yoga classes and programs (and everything else Ganbaru Method offers) for free with our 7-day free trial. No strings attached!
