Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline that involves postures, breathing techniques and meditation. If you are wondering, ‘How do I get better at yoga?’ here are ten ways which will help:
Practice consistently, and with correct alignment.
The key to getting better at yoga is to practice consistently. Yoga is just like any other skill – the more you practice, the better you get at it. Besides, only if you practice yoga regularly and consistently would you be able to reap its benefits. Doing it sporadically will solve no problem at all. On top of that, it is more important to practice with correct alignment so that you reap the most benefits from your practice. The phrase quality over quantity rings true, even in yoga practice.
Set goals
To do something consistently and with passion is difficult if you don’t have a goal or anything to achieve. That’s why setting goals is a great way to get better at yoga. Decide what you want to achieve in your practice, whether it’s mastering a difficult pose, improving your flexibility, or working on your breathing mechanism. Once you have a goal in mind, create a plan to achieve it. Make sure that you find the right inspiration to continue doing it on a daily basis. This will not only help you achieve your goals but also get better at doing yoga.
Attend classes and workshops
Any form of exercise must be done as it is supposed to be done. Else, it can negatively impact the outcome. And attending yoga classes and workshops is one sure way of doing so. It is an excellent way to improve your practice. Yoga teachers can offer guidance and correction to help you get into the poses correctly and safely. Additionally, practicing with other yogis can inspire and motivate you to push yourself further. Taking private classes with your favourite teacher can also be another way to help fast forward your practice, as the teacher will be able to give you their full attention and guidance to fine-tune your practice. Attending classes and workshops is also a great way of meeting like-minded people. This will help you build stronger relationships within the community and get to know more about yoga.
Use props.
Yoga props such as blocks, straps and blankets can help you get into poses correctly and safely. Don’t be afraid to use props, or think they are only for beginners. Props can make challenging poses more accessible to help you deepen your practice.
Focus on your breathing.
Yoga is not just about the physical postures, breathing is an essential aspect of the practice and can help you calm your mind, relax your body and be focused in your practice. Be aware of your breath during your practice, and try to match your movements to your inhales and exhales. This will also add a meditative quality to your practice.
Rest when you need to, and get enough sleep.
It’s important to rest when you need to so that your body gets enough time to recuperate. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re feeling tired or sore. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to help your body recover and prepare for your next yoga practice. No form of exercise will give you results if you don’t give your body enough rest.
Try different styles of yoga.
There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own unique benefits. Trying different styles can help you discover what works best for your body and your goals. You can also diversify your practice to help you get better at yoga faster. Once you know which kind of yoga suits you the best, you can fully concentrate on it and master it.
Join a Yoga Teacher Training
A yoga teacher training program can expose you to a variety of styles and approaches to yoga, giving you a broader understanding of the practice and helping you discover what resonates most with you. 200 hours YTT is great for beginners. Especially when you get to travel to exciting places to dive deeper into yoga, for example, you can also combine it with your travel/vacation to places like Bali and explore Yoga Teacher Training in Bali.
Listen to your body – practice at your own pace.
Yoga is not a competition. It’s essential to listen to your body during your yoga practice. Don’t push yourself too hard or force yourself into poses that feel uncomfortable or painful. Honour your body’s limitations and practice with compassion. Don’t compare yourself to others or feel like you have to push yourself to keep up with the class.
Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated is crucial for any physical activity, including yoga. Drink plenty of water before and after your practice to keep your body hydrated and healthy. Drinking a lot of water is beneficial for maintaining overall good health.
Practice gratitude.
When seeking ways on how to get good at yoga, sometimes we can forget to pause and appreciate the smaller things in life, which are actually the big things! Practising gratitude can help you improve your yoga practice. Be grateful for your body and all that it can do. Focus on the positive aspects of your practice and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
So, there you have it, ten ways on how to improve your yoga practice! Do keep in mind that although we would want to progress in our yoga practice, it is not a competition. It is more an experience in and of itself. Remember to enjoy your time on the mat, and have fun!
Getting better at anything takes time and rushing into mastering the art would only make things worse. So, give your body and mind that time to gradually master things and you will see how things improve as you go on doing it on a regular basis.
