Hatha Yoga for Beginners

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

Hatha yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes physical poses that can improve your memory and help improve your focus and also relieves stress. Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit ha (sun) and tha (moon). Hatha principle is to unite the opposite: the sun and the moon for example.

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

All you need is comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely, yoga mat, water and you are ready to begin. You may want to use other props such as blocks or straps that may be helpful in certain poses.

There are many types of yoga mats are available from the thin, thick mats 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch thick. They are also made of different materials, the most common is PVC vinyl. The most commonly used mat is about 1/8 inch thick. You might want to buy environmentally friendly mat that does not contain phthalates, heavy metals or latex.

The first thing to note is that your breath. Unless your instructor advise you otherwise, inhale as you stretch and exhale as you fold or contract. Breathing while you pose. Do not hold your breath.

Ten most basic poses of hatha yoga for beginners are:
Downward dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Mount Pose (Tadasana)
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Staff Pose (Dandasana)
Cat and Cow (Chakravakasana)
Warrior I (Virbhadrasana)
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Cobbler Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Pose children (Balasana)

You can find an explanation with pictures of the pose online through a variety of yoga and video sites. Remember that our bodies are different. Some of us are more flexible than others. Some are stronger and some have a greater balance. Whatever your ability, improvement will come with practice. Do not be discouraged if at first you can not bend forward and touch the floor with your legs straight. The important thing is to do what you can afford. Doing a little better each time. That way you will not get discouraged and will appreciate and better benefits from your workout.

Namaste.
The benefits of practicing yoga can be realized even after just one class. You will feel energized and relaxed at the same time. All you need is a yoga mat and some uninterrupted time so you can get started.