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Beginning Yoga"Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj" - meaning bind or union. Yoga has been around a long time - over 2000 years. The Yoga Sutra was compiled by an Indian writer and it outlines the principles of yoga, including the 8 limbs: restraints, postures, observances, breathing, concentration, withdrawl of senses, meditation, and absorption. For most of us, the posture component of yoga is what we think of when we hear the word - people stretching and bending. The postures are meant to purify the body and train the body for the stamina used in meditation. To get started in yoga, most beginners get a yoga mat and either some yoga videos or DVDs, or they go to a yoga studio or yoga class at their gym.
Yoga Mats and PropsAlthough you can use a towl to sit on, most people prefer the padding that a yoga mat provides. Yoga mats also keep you from slipping. Gaiam.com is a leading lifestyle company, offering products related to health and fitness (pilates, yoga, etc.). They offer complete yoga kits - for $30 you can buy a beginner yoga kit that includes a yoga mat, a DVD, a yoga block, and a stretch strap. They also offer a Power Yoga Mat Kit - $30 for a 6 foot mat with location markers, a cotton strap, and yoga DVD. You can get a basic mat for just $9, in many different colors and styles. They also sell yoga bricks for $11. Throw in neck pillows and eye pillows, and you have just about any yoga prop you could want.You can also check out Yoga.com. They have a huge variety of yoga mats (Rainbow Streaker 1/8" mat, $38), yoga clothing (Raja Yoga Pants, $40), yoga bags (Tapas Tote, $15). They also have Pilates equipment and Pilates videos and exercise balls. Yoga.com also has a collection of articles about yoga, like Yoga for Better Health and Living: Relaxation. Great site whether you are just getting into yoga or are an experienced pro. Yoga DVDsGaiam.com also has a pretty good selection of yoga videos and DVDs. From Yoga Practice for Beginners ($15) to Yoga for Back Care ($15) to Strength Building Yoga to Abs for Yoga to Intermediate Yoga, you can get a pretty good variety. Yoga.com carries DVDs like Pregnancy Yoga, Yoga for Kids, and Gentle Yoga, all priced from $15-$25.For general yoga information, try YogaJournal.com. They have all the illustrated poses, a section for beginners with common questions and answers, and areas devoted to meditation, health, and wisdom. YogaBasic.com is another good yoga community site. They cover postures, breathing, meditation, and pose sequences, along with information on the history of yoga and chakras. Getting Started with Yoga: Yoga BooksAmazon.com carries a full line of Yoga books, which are good for both beginners and advanced practitioners. "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga" is $12 and is rated 4.5 stars out of 5. This is a classic written in 1960 and still in print. "30 Essential Yoga Poses: For Beginning Students and Their Teachers" is another popular yoga book ($15): "In 30 Essential Yoga Poses, Judith Lasater draws on her wealth of yoga practice and teaching experience, as well as her training as a physical therapist, to present this comprehensive guide for beginning students and their teachers. The author discusses yoga's ancient eightfold path and its relevance in today's world, and goes to the heart of yoga—the all-important student-teacher relationship. Thirty essential yoga poses (asana), their variations, and breathing practices (pranayama) are also provided, with guidance for the student practicing at home, and points for the classroom teacher. Sequences are presented with photographic charts for easy visual reference, and a "Mantra for Daily Practice" and glossary of anatomical terms and resources for further study are also included." Highly recommended.So whether you opt to check out some books or videos, or find a yoga class nearby, you will start feeling better and less stressed very soon after beginning your yoga. For many people, it is a great way to relax their minds and bodies while building strength and flexibility and stamina. Grab your mat, and start on those postures!
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