What You Need To Know Before Starting Yoga

 For many people, exercise is about more than just running and strength training. Today, yoga is one of the most popular exercise modalities available and rightfully so. Gyms are prevalent all across the country, in cities like New York City and towns such as Punxatawney, PA. Many people leave their homes everyday with shorts and a t-shirt in a bag so they can make a trip to the gym part of their work day. But that isn't going to satisfy everyone. People are turning more and more to yoga as a way to diversify their exercise programs, and in some cases it becomes their workout program.

First, virtually anyone can do yoga. A doctor recently told me that most of her patients in their 70's and 80's who are in great shape, do yoga. While the participation numbers are largely skewed towards an elderly population, more and more younger people are becoming yogis. This is evident by the large number of 30-somethings getting certified as yoga instructors. Despite the overwhelmingly female makeup of yoga group classes, the numbers of male participants is steadily increasing. While some yoga can help children develop the strength and flexibility they need, they should not delve to deeply into yoga.

The fact that so many different populations can perform yoga, is testament to the fact that so many benefits can be derived from this modality. A brighter daily outlook and improved confidence is something that anyone at any age can benefit from. Improvement in these areas also leads to better sleep. Meanwhile, adults both young and old can expect to see a reduction in stress, leading to less back pain. Of course, at the end of it all, the movements and positions will build strength without too much impact on the joints leading to a nice toned look.

As far as getting read for your first class or private session, there is very little needed. In New York City, you can run into a sporting goods store such as Paragon in Manhattan or your local neighborhood yoga studio. If you live in places where yoga equipment is not readily available, there are many websites that you can order from and have your equipment delivered right to your door. All you really need is a mat, as a bare floor is not advisable. Your clothes should be comfortable and loose so as not to restrict your movement. As with most forms of exercise, having a full stomach is not advisable. Wait at least two hours before starting your session or class. Your yoga Manhattan instructor should give you a checklist if you let them know you are a first timer.

Once you know that you can do it, you should do it, and what you need to do it, you then need to find someone to do it with. In Manhattan, it can sometimes seem that there as many yoga Manhattan studios as there are dry cleaners. That is because there are different styles of yoga to choose from. Not all are the same. Hatha, Ashtanga, and Karma are just a few, but there are many others. You also need to decide if you want to do a class or private sessions. Visit a few of the different yoga studios in your neighborhood and check out some of the instructors available in your area on the internet. You can find several online tools to help you.