Yoga BLOG

Motivational ideas for starting yoga

by Nick on May 18 2016
Motivational ideas for starting yoga Have you always wanted to start yoga, but can't seem to overcome your inner laziness? Or are you afraid of making a fool of yourself? Or are you unfamiliar with the practice, afraid of the challenges, and just don't have the time for it anyway? Then perhaps our tips will help you, provided you're seriously interested in at least giving yoga a try, despite all the counterarguments. Maybe "doing yoga" was already on your New Year's resolution list, along with many others. Perhaps your doctor recommended it, or friends raved about it. Did you receive a yoga book, CD, or DVD as a gift and are still wondering whether you want to start? There are many ways to get started. Set priorities First of all: You have just as much or as little time as everyone else – 24 hours a day. Everyone needs sleep, and then there's work and/or housework, possibly children, regular appointments, meeting friends, and more. This may vary for everyone, but the trend is right. It must be your priorities that make the difference. So, consider whether your desire for yoga has the same priority as other activities, or whether it simply hasn't been important enough to you up to now. You can leave it at that, or you can immediately prioritize yoga much further ahead: Then attending a class once a week or practicing yoga for fifteen minutes in the early morning (suggestion: at least three times a week) will soon become second nature. Looking for easy entry opportunities What can motivate you if you don't immediately prioritize? Explain to yourself that you just want to attend a trial class to get started. This takes the pressure off you, and the whole process becomes easier and more playful. Alternatively, you can attend one-day seminars offered by the adult education center (VHS). They're inexpensive and shorter-term than courses. There are also day seminars that generally introduce various relaxation and exercise techniques, from autogenic training to Hatha Yoga . You'll learn a lot and be able to better assess whether yoga interests you at all or whether another technique appeals to you more. Of course, you may also develop other interests. Make and implement an initial decision Always take one step at a time: Decide now how and when you'll start (today, tomorrow at the latest). Your decision should be implementable within 72 hours; then your company has the best chance of success. Here are some examples to get you started: - Decide to book a trial lesson at a private studio or a compact seminar at the adult education center. Open the relevant websites, find the right one, and book it immediately, or call or email. Your chances of actually participating increase by several percentage points. - Buy a simple exercise mat as soon as possible before or after booking your class if you don't already have one. It's a great help at home, or you can bring it with you if there are no mats in the class room. How about a stylish shirt to help you get started? - Watch a beginner's yoga DVD (perhaps from the library) at your leisure. You don't have to join in if you don't want to. This can also be a great way to start—or you might discover that yoga isn't quite your thing after all. - Try to take the stress out of your project: Explain to yourself that you don't HAVE to do anything, but that you CAN try something new. Nothing is expected of a beginner, so you don't have to be afraid. Every yogi started small. - Engage in meaningful conversations with friends who practice yoga. Attend a class as a guest, if permitted, and just observe. Discuss your preferences with the instructor. - If for some reason you can't make an appointment right now, write your next step on a to-do list and give it the same priority as your professional and personal appointments. Don't write: "I'll see what I can do shortly." Instead, write: "I'll call/book/do this (exact description of the activity) on (specific date within 72 hours)." Image © druzhinina / 123rf.com