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@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP 10 YOGA TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
4. Focus.
Concentrate on what you are trying to accomplish, and what you need to do
to get there. Paint the picture in your head before you try to do it. When
you are in the pose, focus on how you feel and how you can adjust to make
the pose look and feel better on your body. This matters enormously when
doing inversions like forearm stands and handstands. If you throw yourself
upside down and hope for the best, it will take you much longer to learn.
Take your time and concentrate.
5. Breathe.
Always breathe deeply. Whether you’re getting into a pose, adjusting in the
pose, or resting. This will help you stay calm and focused on what you’re
doing. It will remind you to listen to your body. When stretching, try to push
a little further with every deep exhalation.
6. Take pictures.
There is no better way to track your progress or critique your form than
using photos or videos. It can be difficult when learning on your own,
because you don’t have someone there to tell you what you’re doing wrong.
Set the timer on the camera on your phone or take videos. Post your
progress photos on Instagram. It’s humbling, and you will not only inspire
others, but attract others to respond with their tips and struggles as well.
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP 10 YOGA TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
7. Use a strap.
A yoga strap is a great tool for beginners for certain poses like king pigeon,
forearm stands, backbends, and dancer. It allows your body to begin to get
used to working the specific flexibility needed for certain poses. It’s helpful,
because most of us are practicing on our own and don’t have a friend or
teacher there to help us. Try to move your hands a little farther down the
strap every day.
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP YOGA POSES
FOR BEGINNERS
So I chose these poses for a variety of reasons. They are of course beginner
level poses, but they are also some of the most fundamental poses in yoga.
In other words, there are many variations and advances to these poses.
They all work different muscle groups, and developing strength and flexibility
in these poses will help you progress quickly in your practice. Try holding
every pose for at least 30 seconds and deepening the stretch when you can.
Repeat the poses at least 3 times, and make sure to switch sides when you’re
in a pose that focuses on one side of the body at a time.
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP 10 YOGA TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
3. Upward Facing Dog
Stretches: Chest, Back, Shoulders
Make sure your hips and legs are entirely off the ground. Only
your palms the tops of your feet should be touching the ground.
Keep your gaze lifted and try to sink your hips lower
as you pull your chest up towards the ceiling.
4. Warrior I
Stretches: Hips, Back, Shoulders
Your forward knee should be at a 90degree angle with the
ground, and your back foot should be sideways, not tucked
under. Sink lower to bring the stretch in your hips,
and tilt the arms back farther to increase the stretch
in your back. Transition to Warrior II, below.
5. Warrior II
Stretches: Hamstrings, Shoulders
Try moving into Warrior II from Warrior I in one
fluid motion by lowering your arms out to the sides and
moving the torso. The feet should remain in the same
stance as Warrior I. Transition into Warrior III.
6. Warrior III
Stretches: Hamstrings, Shoulders
Ready to test your balance? From Warrior II, bring your arms
forward and try to get your body in a straight line and parallel
to the ground, except for your standing leg, which should be
perpendicular to the ground. Snap a
photo It's harder than it looks!
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP 10 YOGA TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
7. Pigeon
Stretches: Hips, Back
The goal is to eventually have your bent knee at a 90
degree angle, but it requires a tremendous amount of hip
flexibility. Another variation is to lay your chest
flat on the floor in front of you for a deeper
stretch on the other hip. Try both.
8. Plank
Stretches: Core, Shoulders
Yes, the plank is popular in yoga too! Remember to keep
your core tight the entire time you're in this pose.
A common exercise in yoga is to round your
back in plank pose and bring your knee to
your forehead and back down. Give the abs an extra squeeze with
every knee forward.
9. Chaturanga This is the "yogi pushup." Keep your upper
Stretches: Arms, Core arms parallel to your chest. To really work
your arms, try holding it for 1030
seconds. To modify: keep your knees
on the ground. This is the best
pose for building arm strength.
10. Triangle
Stretches: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Obliques
Try to keep your chest stacked and not lean forward.
Do this by trying to keep the chest out and both arms
perpendicular to the ground. To modify: let your
bottom hand rest on your thigh or a yoga block.
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
TOP 10 YOGA TIPS
FOR BEGINNERS
Thank You!
Thanks for reading! I wanted to part with a few great resources that can really
help you on your yoga journey!
If you're looking for a great program for beginners, make sure to check out
the Yoga Fat Loss Bible for Beginners that I wrote with my boyfriend and
business partner, Alex Nerney. Together, we run the website, Avocadu.com
Alex is a certified personal trainer and fat loss expert, and I'm the health nut
and practicing yogi!
This program has everything you need
to get started and more, including:
50 FatBurning Yoga Poses
Complete Flexibility Guide
12Week Workout Plan
Meditation Guide
And so much more!
Click here to check it out!
Lastly, I'd love to connect with you on Instagram! If you haven't seen it
already, that's where I post all of my personal yoga photos, tips, and
tricks.
I'd be happy to share my story and take part in yours as well! Click the
image below to see my account and follow it for my latest yoga content!
Lauren McManus
@LaurenMacYoga, Avocadu.com
DISCLAIMER
This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The
reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health
and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or
medical attention. You are liable for any injuries or ailments received from this
program, even though we suspect you will have none!