New to Yoga?

You've been interested in trying out yoga, but don't know where to start? Here are some pointers to help you get started, and to decide which form of yoga interests you most.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?
Basic equipment:

A good yoga mat makes all the difference. It gives you the right amount of padding, while giving you enough grip so you have better alignment in postures. I highly recommend Jade Yoga mats. For local stockists, click here.

Yoga-suitable clothing. It's really a matter of preference and the style of yoga that you do. Some yogis prefer loose clothing, others prefer more stream-lined clothes. My gear of choice are a basic tank, and leggings, as alignment is so important in yoga, and tight-fitted clothing help me to check on my alignment myself. I love Lorna Jane's Amy full-length tights (pictured below). They are warm, come with a small zip pocket, and wick moisture away.

Purchase this here

Extra equipment that could be helpful:

A yoga block. Foam ones are lighter, and equally as strong. These help with alignment and to progress deeper into some poses. 

Get these blocks from Clark Rubber

A yoga strap. Like the blocks, these also help with alignment and for deepening.

Like these colourful ones, which you can get from Stretch Now 

Stick-e gloves and socks. Really helpful if you have hyperhydrosis like I do. If you're finding it slippery on the mat, or if you just want a bit more grip, these work wonders! The only problem I have with them is my hands slip within the glove, so mine get holes and tears in them within a week. Holey gloves still work though! I own about 5 pairs of these. 

Stick-e gloves

WHAT STYLES OF YOGA SHOULD I TRY? 

Here are some of the main styles of yoga in Australia. 

Bikram 

Probably the most scene-y yoga out there, a bikram or hot yoga involves 26 asanas, practiced in a heated room, generally between 30-40C. If you are prone to heatstroke, you may want to try something else. 

Ashtanga-vinyasa

My preferred style of yoga. It focuses on fluidity, coordinated by breathwork. It's vigorous and quite strong, if I'm not mistaken, most yoga injuries come from ashtanga-vinyasa. It involves a lot of wrist strain, so if you are prone to wrist injuries, you may want to try something else. 

Iyengar

Quite a popular style, Iyengar involves using props such as straps, blocks, chairs etc to create better alignment. It is quite a good way to start getting into yoga, especially if you have existing injuries. You may want to reconsider if you are uncoordinated with straps... I used to get tangled in the strap all the time. 

Hatha

Probably what most people think of when they think of yoga. Hatha yoga is a gentle yoga focusing on sustaining a pose for longer periods of time. It builds focus and is deeply relaxing. 

Kundalini 

Kundalini is gaining a bigger following now. Sometimes referred to as moving meditation, Kundalini involves the use of mantra and a lot of repetition. You perform poses with the eyes closed, a great way to draw into centre. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW BEFORE MY FIRST CLASS? 

Angela Leigh at Lorna Jane has created a fantastic post about this, so have a read up on the Move Nourish Believe blog.