Yes, yoga has incredible health benefits for mind, body, and spirit. We know that. Maybe your social media feed has been screaming at you to get on a mat and overloading you with yoga poses, yoga pants, yoga towels, yoga, yoga, yoga! Perhaps your friends are all into it, your mom is into it, and even your grandma is stuck in child’s pose. But what if you’re just not that into it? You’re not alone! If yoga is something you truly feel can benefit you physically, emotionally, and spiritually, don’t let a little internal resistance hinder what could be an epic journey on the pursuit of your yoga practice.
Here are a few tips to finally “get into yoga.”
Have an accountability buddy!
This is a must and number one on my list. Having that friend or family member yoga buddy who calls you in the morning to ensure you get to class can make a world of a difference. I know… it’s cold, you didn’t sleep well last night, you have more work to do. You’re accountability buddy is there to see you through those excuses and get you onto that mat!
Consistency is key
There’s no need to go buy an unlimited package and make a goal to practice five days a week and then dub yourself a failure when you only make it to two. Does anyone remember SMART goals? Start out with what you CAN do, and be consistent. If you can’t hit a class as many times a week as you’d like, at least get some stretching in each day for a few minutes to turn sporadic practice into a solid habit.
Go at a time that fits your energy levels
If you’re not a morning person, for peet’s sake, don’t go in the mornings. You don’t need to torture yourself to begin practicing yoga. However, if you think a morning practice, against your usual norm may benefit you, then go for it. Do yourself a favor and pick a time that fits your energy levels. Most studios offer classes at various times of the day.
Find a class or style that fits you
I initially abandoned yoga, shortly after trying, because I wasn’t in the right class for me. Try a few different classes and see what you like. If you’d like to linger in some poses and stretch out some muscles you haven’t used in a long time, don’t opt for the class where the instructor is almost flying through the sequences. Yoga classes are not a one-size-fits-all matter. Realizing there are different types and paces of yoga that fit individual needs can reduce some frustrations you may have surrounding it.
Evaluate why it’s a challenge to “get into yoga”
If you aren’t interested in it, then that’s OK! But if you genuinely think yoga can positively impact your life but have a hard time consistently practicing, take the time to figure out what part you’re struggling with. If it feels too hard, try a beginner level class. If it hurts, research poses that can help certain parts of your body. Reduce whatever obstacles you’re facing so you can make a smoother transition while practicing yoga.
Now grab your accountability buddy and get on that mat!
Oh! And if the cold is the main cause of your lack of motivation… why not book yourself a yoga retreat in Costa Rica? What better way to kick start your practice than in the sunshine above the salty sea?
By Sarah Blanks