How to Start a Yoga Practice

Taken from: http://www.yogabasics.com/ Our "How to Start a Yoga Practice" guide will give you the 4 basic steps to starting a yoga practice. 1. Learn how to breathe The most important thing to do in yoga is to breathe, especially when holding the postures. Learn Dirga and Ujjayi Pranayama to use during yoga. Most importantly, breathe through the nose into the belly. Read ourBreathing in Asana article. 2. Start and end with a brief Meditation Start in easy pose or accomplished pose with a short meditation to center yourself and bring your focus inside. 3. Use Basic and Beginning Postures Start with our basic yoga pose sequences and/or these simple postures:  seated twist, cat, dog, down dog, child, cobra, mountain, triangle,forward bend. Then explore the Asana section for more. 4. End with Shavasana (Relaxation Pose) Always end your yoga practice with Shavasana, resting and consciously relaxing your body for 5-15 minutes.