How to Start Yoga Practice

Are you looking for information about how to start yoga? Taking up yoga means to do exercise regularly, to make positive changes in your life and to create a harmony between your body, mind, and soul. Following some basic steps will guide you towards the right way of practicing yoga. Below are described the four basic steps of yoga.

1. Breathing technique - Learning the breathing techniques is important in yoga, especially when you hold the postures in each asana. Breathing techniques are different for various set of asanas.
2. Meditation - You should start and end every yoga session with meditation. Meditation is very important in yoga. It increases your power of concentration and helps you relax.
3. Basic postures for the beginners - If you have never done yoga before; then you can practice the basic yoga postures. Some of the basic and simple postures are:
• Seated yoga poses
• Twists
• Inversions
• Balancing poses
• Core strengthening poses
• Back bending poses
• Forward bending poses
• Side bending poses
• Prone yoga poses
• Supine yoga poses
• Standing yoga poses
4. Ending of yoga session - You should end your yoga session with Savasana or relaxing pose. The purpose of Savasana is to ease your body muscles, calm down your mind, and relax your body completely.

The best thing about practicing yoga is that you don't need any special equipment to practice yoga. But as a beginner, you may use some of the following things that will provide you support and enhance your practice.

1. Yoga books - Today, you can find numerous yoga books in almost any bookstore. These yoga books give complete guidelines about how to practice yoga at home.
2. Yoga DVDs - You can also find many yoga DVDs which are very helpful if you want to practice yoga in solitude. Below are described some of the best yoga DVDs, available in the market today.
• Basic Yoga Workout
• A.M./P.M. Yoga for Beginners
• Kripalu Yoga: Gentle
• Yoga For Beginners
• Yoga Journal's: Beginning Yoga Step by Step
3. Yoga CDs - You can also buy different yoga CDs which are ideal for beginners.
4. Yoga Mat - A yoga mat provides padding for your body and a non-slip surface to practice. A classic yoga is recommended for beginners. If you have wooden floor, get a thicker mat.
5. Yoga props - Although, conventional practice of yoga doesn't require any props but beginners may find yoga props very useful. Various yoga props are ideal for body support and body alignment.
6. Yoga Music CDs - You can play soothing yoga music CDs during the yoga practice session to help you focus and relax.

Avoid eating and drinking just before the practice session of yoga. For the yoga practice, you can wear loose, comfortable clothing or tights. If you follow all these basic steps, then you don't need to worry about how to start yoga.