Find a New Fit: Yoga

Whether you’re just starting to exercise or looking to put the fire back into your workout, adding a fun new activity will reenergize your fitness routine. Take this short quiz and find a new fit.

Yoga is a workout you can do with limited space, almost no equipment, and whatever time you have available. It’s also simple to get started, whether you’re a workout beginner or an experienced Yogi. Read on to learn more about this versatile exercise and how you can get started today.

What is Yoga?

There are hundreds of different types of yoga, each with their own differences, but they’re based around a series of postures that engage various muscles, sometimes combined with breathing exercises or meditation. Here are just a few of the types of yoga you may encounter:

• Hatha: This is a basic yoga classes that focuses on specific poses. It’s great for beginners who are just setting out and looking to learn more about it.
• Iyengar: This style of yoga is typically slow-moving, and focuses on your body alignment in each pose. An Iyengar class will sometimes use props like yoga blocks or belts when needed, so is another great option for beginners.
• Ashtanga: This style is more fast-paced and focuses on moving quickly through a series of yoga poses, such as the sun salutation. The pace of these classes makes them a little better for those who have some knowledge of yoga already, but many yoga studios offer beginner classes as well.
• Bikram: Also referred to as “hot yoga”, this style is usually done in a room kept over 100 degrees while you cycle through a series of poses. The temperature definitely makes it a challenge, and those interested in trying Bikram should check with their doctor and their yoga studio about its demands before signing up.

You may also encounter classes simply referred to as “Yoga”, which may switch between different styles or combine them in a single class.

How do I get started?

With Yoga, it’s easy to find a solution that fits in with your lifestyle. If you prefer to go to a class with other people, it’s a popular offering at many gyms and a lot of independent studios have popped up in recent years. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home through videos or apps like FitStar Yoga, which is a free app that offers personalized yoga classes.

What you need may depend on what you’re doing (and where), so check with your gym or program before buying too much. But typical attire is comfortable, stretchy clothes, and yoga is typically done barefoot. A yoga mat will help cushion your body against the floor and be more comfortable, but some studios either provide these themselves or offer them to rent for the day if you’re not ready to commit to purchasing your own mat yet.

Other gear is also available, such as yoga blocks or belts, but for most yoga styles you can get by with just a mat and a pillow.

What are the health benefits of Yoga?

Different styles of yoga may differ slightly in what their health benefits are, but here’s a few that are valid for any type of yoga:

• Stress relief: Almost any type of yoga is good for stress relief, but this is especially true of yoga. The rhythm or the practice and sometimes meditative qualities contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
• Flexibility: Yoga works by stretching your muscles, so it’s no surprise that it’s also been shown to improve flexibility. Doing yoga can help loosen up stiff muscles.
• Improved strength: This is true for some styles of yoga more than others, but many yoga poses require you to hold poses and flex your muscles, which will increase muscle tone over time. Different poses will work out different muscles, but most poses will also help work out your core.
• Good for the heart: Yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which will help people with high blood pressure or other heart conditions.
• Improved posture: Since yoga helps you become stronger and more flexible, it also helps your posture. Practicing yoga and focusing on poses has also been shown to make people more aware of their bodies, thus making it more likely they’ll correct their posture in their daily lives.

What else do I need to know about Yoga?

Since there are so many different types of yoga, be sure to chat with a yoga professional before your first time so that you know what to expect. If you do decide to go to a group class, checking in about what level the class is and what equipment you’ll need will help you prepare. A good instructor will want to help you enjoy yourself and improve without pushing you past your limits.

Otherwise, don’t stress about trying your first yoga class. Yoga classes are usually quiet, relaxing, and accepting places of all levels. Most poses can be modified to fit any level, and it’s usually acceptable to sit down or rest in child’s pose for a pose if you’re struggling too much.

You can get started with yoga right now by downloading FitStar Yoga! Or if yoga isn’t for you, Find A New Fit by taking our quiz.