Yoga continues to be one of the best ways to improve yourself in body and mind. There are no other activities that are quite as relaxing and challenging. If you are serious about your yoga practice, then you will likely want to improve your skills over time, and that is where we come in. Here at L’Aquila Active, we love to see our yoga students thrive, so we today we wanted to offer you some tips for how to practice yoga. Both beginners and more advanced yogis should bear these in mind.
How to practice yoga you wonder? What are the most important things to know? Here’s how you can bring your practice to the next level:
- Set goals
- Find a relaxing practice spot
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Find a well-trained, enjoyable teacher
Set Goals
The first and most important tip that we can provide is that you should set a goal or an intention for yourself for where you want your yoga practice to go. That goal could include anything from losing a predetermined amount of weight to learning a new and challenging pose by the end of the year, or joining a new class that you have been intimidated to try.
Side note: If you’re into losing weight and curious how you got to this point in the first place, check out our article on how meditation can help you reach your ideal weight. We’ve included several tips and hacks to get your body weight where you want it to be.
While people often like to set goals, many forget about their intentions because of distractions in life, so it is important to keep yourself in line by using a reminder app on your phone, like Way of Life or Goals on Track, which allow you to set regular reminders to complete predetermined tasks while also charting your progress. You can even program reminders to check out the L’Aquila Active website each month so you can learn the newest poses or remind yourself about the importance of tapping into and balancing your chakras. Balanced chakras equal a healthy and functional life, so it’s well worth looking into it.
Find a Relaxing Practice Spot
In order to find your inner peace and perfect your yoga poses, it is important that you find a comfortable spot where you can be at ease. For many, that is the backyard because you can be surrounded by the sounds of nature while you sit on the soft grass. If your backyard leaves something to be desired, then you can hire a backyard landscaping service that can revamp your yard to your specifications to make the perfect space. When looking for contractors, take the time to research online and read customer reviews. Once you have a shortlist, request price quotes so you can get a great deal.
In addition to the spot, you will also want to have a relaxed wardrobe that won’t sacrifice your style. That could include a pair of stylish leggings or a comfortable sports bra. When you have the perfect space and clothes, the sky’s the limit for your yoga success.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
No matter what your goals may be or how you have progressed so far, just remember that this is your personal journey and you should never compare yourself to others. Do what is best for you, work on your goals, and you will be happy. In addition, remember that no one is judging you and you shouldn’t judge them either.
That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t interact with your classmates when appropriate and compliment them on a job well done because camaraderie is important as well. The point is to be happy doing what you love.
Find a Well Trained, Enjoyable Teacher
Finally, it is important that you find a smart and experienced yoga teacher to help you on your personal journey. When looking for an instructor, talk to friends and ask for referrals. You can also go online and research instructors. When you do, look at reviews and create a shortlist of potential teachers.
Next, take your shortlist and do some deeper research. Ask how long they have been teaching yoga and about any certifications or qualifications they have on their resume. Once you find an instructor that you think will work, you can go to a class and watch and see if you like their style. After the class, you can talk with the teacher and ask any questions before you make a final decision. We wrote an entire article on the 10 qualities a good yoga teacher should have. So, this can be a good reference for what to look for in a yoga teacher.
As you can see, there are a couple of things to bear in mind when it comes to how to practice yoga correctly. There are many ways that can ensure that you meet your yoga goals and excel on your personal journey. If you have questions about the best poses, chakras, their origins, the science behind them and how to unblock each for a healthier life, browse through our articles. We have loads of them written by those qualified and specialized in yoga.
Also, take a look at the difference between Indian and Western yoga here to decide which one suits you better. And for different types of yoga and deciding on which one is better for your temperament, head here.
If you have any questions about anything else we do at L’Aquila Active, then contact us at Jonathan@laquilaactive.com. Or you can follow and write to us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Michael Stephenson – Guest Contributor, L’Aquila Active
Learn more about Michael by reading his bio below.
Click on link below to meet L’Aquila Active’s entire team of experts, including university degrees, certifications, and credentials on yoga and meditation: